JP2023075503A - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it easy to take action according to an error.SOLUTION: A frame control board executes retry control to control a transport motor so that a retry operation by a screw is performed according to the satisfaction of a first special condition or a second special condition during the execution of the transport operation. The frame control board sets a game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error when executing the retry control of first number of times according to the satisfaction of the first special condition and when the first special condition is satisfied, sets the game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error when executing the retry control of second number of times according to the satisfaction of the second special condition and when the second special condition is satisfied, and sets a game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormal error when a transport exit sensor does not detect a game ball, during the execution of the transport operation, and when third number of times has passed since a transport entrance sensor detects the game ball.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an example of a gaming machine, a circulation-type pachinko gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the machine is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In the gaming machine disclosed in Patent Literature 1, when a game ball is shot into the game area, it is stored in the storage device after flowing down the game area. The game balls stored in the storage device flow down the game area again by being shot into the game area. Also, the balls held by the player are electronically managed by the game control microcomputer. This eliminates the need for a mechanism for paying out game balls. Furthermore, since the game ball cannot be touched by the player, it is hard to get dirty.

JP 2021-78753 A

Since the recycling game machine has a different configuration from that of the non-recycling game machine, the errors that need to be detected and the details of the countermeasures are also different from those of the non-recycling game machine.

A game machine for solving the above-mentioned problems is a circulation-type game machine in which game balls are circulated inside the machine, and includes a game board having a game area, a shooting section capable of shooting game balls toward the game area, and the game board. a circulation mechanism that circulates the game balls collected from the game balls, and a control unit that can execute a predetermined control. A first ball detection section capable of detecting a game ball, and a second ball detection section capable of detecting a game ball in the circulation mechanism passage downstream of the first ball detection section in the game ball circulation direction. , a conveying member capable of conveying game balls in the circulation mechanism passage, a drive motor driving the conveying member, and a state detection unit capable of detecting the state of the conveying member, and the control and executing a first control for controlling the driving motor so that the conveying operation by the conveying member is performed according to the establishment of a predetermined conveying condition, and the conveying operation is performed when the state of the conveying member is It is an operation of conveying a game ball accompanied by alternate changes between a reference state and a state that is not the reference state, and the control unit, during the execution of the first control, determines when a predetermined special condition is established. Accordingly, a second control is executed to control the drive motor so that the conveying member performs a special operation, and the special condition includes that the conveying member is in the reference state during execution of the first control. a first special condition that is satisfied when a first period of time elapses without detecting that the transport member has reached the reference state; and a second special condition that is satisfied when the reference state is detected, and the control unit executes the second control a first number of times in response to the establishment of the first special condition. and when the first special condition is satisfied, a circulating mechanism abnormality error is set, and the second control is executed a second number of times according to the satisfaction of the second special condition. and when the second special condition is satisfied, the circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, the second ball detection unit does not detect a game ball during execution of the first control, and The gist is to set a circulating mechanism passage abnormality error when a third time has passed since the first ball detection unit detected a game ball.

It is preferable that the game machine has an operation unit, and the setting of the circulating mechanism abnormality error and the setting of the circulating mechanism passage abnormality error can be canceled by operating the same specific operation unit.

With respect to the gaming machine, the circulation mechanism passage abnormality error is not set during the ball removal state in which the game balls inside the machine are discharged to the outside of the machine, and the circulation mechanism abnormality error can be set during the ball removal state. Good.

In the gaming machine, the first number of times and the second number of times may be a plurality of times.

According to the present invention, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

It is a figure when a pachinko game machine and a management unit are seen from the front. It is a figure which shows the game board with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. It is an enlarged view of the counting operation unit, the counting notification unit, and the second ball number display unit provided in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the circulation mechanism of the game ball formed in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 2(a) and 2(b) are schematic diagrams showing a conveying unit provided in the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the supply part with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the supply part with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. 1. It is a schematic diagram which shows the discharge part with which the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1 is equipped. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1; FIG. In the pachinko game machine of FIG. 1, it is a timing chart showing the control of the conveying operation of the conveying unit. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an error that can be detected by the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1; FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing control for detecting a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1; 2 is a timing chart showing control for detecting a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error in the pachinko gaming machine of FIG. 1; 1. It is a figure which shows an example of the aspect of error notification in the pachinko game machine of FIG.

An embodiment of the pachinko game machine will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 1, on an island facility (game island), a pachinko game machine 10, which is an example of a game machine, and a management unit 100, which is an example of a management device, are arranged alternately. Management unit 100 is an example of an external unit. The management unit 100 is installed side by side with the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加The management unit 100 is communicably connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 .

The management unit 100 will be explained.
The management unit 100 has a medium insertion section 101 into which a management medium can be inserted. As an example, the management medium is a data storage medium such as an IC card or an IC coin. The management medium can store the remaining amount of input money and the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the first number of managed balls PA). The first management ball number PA is data managed by the management unit 100 . The management medium may be capable of storing the player's personal information or the balance of payment (prepaid balance). The management unit 100 includes a cash insert section 102 into which cash can be inserted. The amount of money inserted into the cash insertion unit 102 is added to the balance stored in the management medium. As an example, cash may be either bills or coins.

The management unit 100 has an operation panel 110 . The operation panel 110 includes a ball lending operation section 111 , a payout operation section 112 , a return operation section 113 , a first ball number display section 114 and a balance display section 115 . The ball lending operation unit 111 is operated when increasing the number of game balls owned by the player (hereinafter referred to as the second number of managed balls PB) based on the balance stored in the management medium. The second number of managed balls PB is data managed by the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The payout operation unit 112 is operated when increasing the second number of balls under management PB based on the first number of balls under management PA. The number of managed balls PA, PB is an example of the number of owned balls.

A return operation unit 113 is operated when receiving a return of a management medium inserted in the management unit 100 . The first number-of-balls display portion 114 displays information (eg, Arabic numerals) that can identify the first number of managed balls PA. The remaining amount display portion 115 displays information (eg, Arabic numerals) that can specify the remaining amount of the payment.

The management unit 100 includes a management unit control board 120 (hereinafter referred to as a CU control board). The CU control board 120 includes a CPU 120a, a ROM 120b, and a RAM 120c. The CPU 120a performs predetermined control by executing a management unit control program. The ROM 120b stores a management unit control program. The RAM 120c stores various information rewritten while the management unit 100 is operating. For example, the information stored by the RAM 120c includes flags, counters, and timers. The management unit 100 includes a communication terminal 120d that is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

The CU control board 120 is connected to the medium insertion section 101 . The CPU 120 a is configured to be able to rewrite the storage contents of the management medium inserted in the medium insertion section 101 . The CU control board 120 is connected to the cash insertion section 102 . The CPU 120a is configured to be capable of inputting an insertion signal output when cash is inserted into the cash insertion unit 102 . The input signal is a signal that can specify the amount of money input to the cash input unit 102 .

CU control board 120 is connected to operation panel 110 . The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a ball lending signal output when the ball lending operation unit 111 is operated. The CU control board 120 is configured to be able to input a payout signal output when the payout operation unit 112 is operated. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to input a return signal output when the return operation unit 113 is operated. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the first ball number display section 114. FIG. The CPU 120a is configured to be able to control the display content of the balance display section 115. FIG.

The CU control board 120 is connected to the pachinko gaming machine 10 via the communication terminal 120d. The CPU 120a is configured such that various control signals (control information) output by the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be input. The CPU 120 a is configured to be capable of outputting various control signals (control information) to the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The management unit 100 outputs a connection signal to the pachinko gaming machine 10 from the communication terminal 120d. The connection signal may be a command or message generated by the CU control board 120 (CPU 120a), or may be a signal generated by an output circuit (for example, a power supply circuit) different from the CPU 120a.

The management unit 100 has an external communication terminal (not shown) for connecting to an external management device prepared separately from the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the management unit 100 . As an example, the external management equipment is installed in amusement arcades. As an example, the external management device (not shown) is a hall computer installed in a game arcade. As an example, the external management device is a management computer that can communicate with a server facility installed in a data center outside the game arcade via a network. In this case, the management computer and the management unit 100 are preferably connected so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally.

Processing performed by the management unit 100 will be described.
When the management medium is inserted into the medium insertion unit 101, the CPU 120a reads the balance and the first number of balls PA stored in the management medium and stores them in the RAM 120c. Then, the CPU 120a performs the processing described below when the management medium is inserted.

When the input signal is input from the cash input unit 102, the CPU 120a adds the amount of input that can be specified from the input signal to the balance. When a ball lending signal is input from the ball lending operation unit 111 when the balance is not 0, the CPU 120a subtracts a specified amount from the balance, and lends information capable of specifying the lending of game balls corresponding to the specified amount. to the pachinko game machine 10. When the balance is 0, the CPU 120a does not output the lending information even if the ball lending signal is input.

When the payout signal is input from the payout operation unit 112 when the first number PA of managed balls PA is equal to or greater than 1, the CPU 120a subtracts a predetermined number from the first number PA of managed balls, and specifies the lending of the predetermined number of game balls. Possible lending information is output to the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加When the first number of balls PA under management is 0, the CPU 120a does not output rental information even if a payout signal is input. In this way, the rental information can specify the number of rental balls. When the counting information is input from the pachinko gaming machine 10, the CPU 120a adds the number of game balls that can be specified from the counting information to the first managed ball number PA. Although the details will be described later, the counting information is information output when the player ends the game on the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The count information is information that can specify the number of game balls whose management is transferred to the management unit 100 .

The CPU 120a controls the first number-of-balls display section 114 to display information capable of specifying the first number of managed balls PA at that time. The first number of managed balls PA is displayed in real time on the first number-of-balls display section 114 . The CPU 120a controls the balance display unit 115 to display information that can specify the balance at that time. The balance is displayed in real time on the balance display section 115 . When the return signal is input from the return operation unit 113, the CPU 120a stores the balance and the first number of managed balls PA stored in the RAM 120c in the management medium, and also stores the balance and the first number of managed balls PA stored in the RAM 120c. to initialize. The CPU 120 a controls the medium insertion section 101 so that the management medium is ejected from the medium insertion section 101 .

The pachinko game machine 10 will be explained.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is an enclosed gaming machine in which a prescribed number P0 of game balls are enclosed inside the machine. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is an example of a circulation-type gaming machine that circulates game balls inside the machine. The game ball may be either magnetic or non-magnetic. The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a storage section for storing game balls. The pachinko game machine 10 is, in principle, structured so that the player cannot touch the game balls.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 electromagnetically manages the second number of managed balls PB based on the number of rented balls Pb, the number of acquired balls Pc, the number of fired balls Pd, and the number of returned balls Pe. The number of lent balls Pb is the number of game balls lent to the player. The acquired ball number Pc is the number of game balls acquired by the player. The number of shot balls Pd is the number of game balls shot by the player. The number of shot balls Pd can also be said to be the number of game balls supplied from the supply unit 61 to the launch unit 65, which will be described later. The number of returned balls Pe is the number of game balls that have not reached the later-described game area 20a among the game balls shot by the player. The return ball number Pe can also be said to be the number of game balls that have not reached the game area 20a among the game balls that have been shot from the launching unit 65 toward the game area 20a. The return ball is a so-called "foul ball".

A pachinko game machine 10 includes a frame 11. - 特許庁The frame 11 includes an outer frame 11a for fixing the machine body to the island facility, a mounting frame 11b for mounting various game parts, and a protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b is supported to be openable and closable with respect to the outer frame 11a. The protective frame 11c is supported so as to be openable and closable with respect to the mounting frame 11b. The protective frame 11c has a protective glass (not shown) that protects the game parts mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a locking device (not shown) that locks the frames 11b and 11c. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured so that the frames 11b and 11c cannot be opened with respect to the outer frame 11a unless a key suitable for the locking device is used to unlock the machine.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes an effect sound section 12, for example, a speaker. The effect sound section 12 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The effect sound unit 12 can execute effect for outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound effect) and notification for outputting a predetermined sound (hereinafter referred to as sound notification). For example, the predetermined voice is a piece of music, a sound effect, a human voice reading out a predetermined character string, and the like. The pachinko game machine 10 includes a notification audio unit 13, for example, a speaker. The notification audio unit 13 can execute audio notification. As an example, the effect sound unit 12 and the notification sound unit 13 are arranged in the mounting frame 11b.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with an effect light emitting section 14. - 特許庁The effect light-emitting unit 14 can execute effects (hereinafter referred to as light-emitting effects) by turning on, blinking, and extinguishing a light emitter (not shown) such as an LED. The effect light emitting unit 14 can perform notification (hereinafter referred to as light emission notification) by lighting, blinking, and extinguishing of a light emitter (not shown). As an example, the effect light emitting section 14 is arranged on the mounting frame 11b. The effect light emitting unit 14 may be arranged on a game board 20 which will be described later.

The pachinko game machine 10 includes a shooting operation section 15 capable of operating to shoot game balls. The firing operation section 15 is arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko game machine 10 is configured to launch a game ball with a shooting intensity corresponding to the operation of the shooting operation section 15. - 特許庁As an example, the firing operation unit 15 includes a handle lever 15a that can be rotated, a touch sensor D01, a firing stop switch D02, and a handle volume D03 (see FIG. 9).

The touch sensor D01 is connected to a conducting ring 15c that surrounds the side surface of the firing operation section 15. As shown in FIG. The touch sensor D01 outputs a touch signal when the player grips the shooting operation unit 15 and the finger of the player touches the conducting ring 15c. The touch signal is turned on when the player's finger touches the conductive ring 15c, and turned off when the finger is not touching. The touch sensor D<b>01 is an example of means for detecting that the player is touching the shooting operation section 15 .

The firing stop switch D02 outputs a stop signal when the firing stop button 15b projecting to the side of the firing operation unit 15 is pushed. The stop signal turns on when the firing stop button 15b is operated, and turns off when it is not operated. The shooting stop button 15b is an example of means capable of being operated to stop shooting the game ball. When the handle lever 15a is rotated, the handle volume D03 outputs a voltage volume signal corresponding to the amount of rotation.

The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a performance operating section 16. - 特許庁The effect operation unit 16 is an example of means that can be operated by the player. The effect operation unit 16 is preferably of a button type that can be pressed, a touch sensor type that also serves as a display device, or a lever type.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a second number-of-balls display section 17 that displays information that can specify the second number of managed balls PB. As an example, the second ball number display section 17 has a configuration in which a plurality (eg, 6) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality (eg, 6 digits) of numbers. The second number-of-balls display unit 17 can execute a predetermined notification in a manner of displaying predetermined characters and numbers.

The pachinko game machine 10 has a counting operation section 18 . The counting operation unit 18 is operated mainly when the player ends the game on the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The counting operation using the counting operation unit 18 is permitted when the counting operation unit 18 is in a predetermined countable state. The counting operation unit 18 outputs a counting signal when a pressing operation is performed. The pachinko game machine 10 is provided with a count reporting unit 18a. The counting notification unit 18a is an example of means for notifying whether or not the counting is possible. As an example, the effect operating section 16, the second ball number display section 17, the counting operating section 18, and the counting reporting section 18a are arranged on the front side of the mounting frame 11b.

As shown in FIG. 2, the pachinko gaming machine 10 includes a game board 20. As shown in FIG. The game board 20 is attached to the mounting frame 11b. A substantially circular game area 20a is defined on the front surface of the game board 20 when viewed from the front. That is, the game board 20 has a game area 20a. A display window 20b is formed substantially in the center of the game area 20a. Formed on the left side of the game area 20a is a launch path 20c that guides the game ball shot by the operation of the shooting operation section 15 to the game area 20a. The game area 20a and the hitting path 20c are covered with a protective glass (not shown) of the protective frame 11c.

The game board 20 includes an information display device 21 that displays various information. The information display device 21 includes a first special symbol display portion 21a, a second special symbol display portion 21b, a first reservation display portion 21c, a second reservation display portion 21d, a normal symbol display portion 21e, and a normal reservation display portion 21f. . As an example, the plurality of display units 21a to 21f are collectively arranged in a portion visible to the player, but not limited to this, some or all of them may be arranged in different portions.

The first special symbol display unit 21a can execute a first special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a first special game) in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The second special symbol display unit 21b can execute a second special symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as a second special game) in which a predetermined symbol is variably displayed and finally the special symbol is stopped and displayed. The special symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (hit lottery of the special symbol). Hereinafter, the first special game and the second special game will be collectively referred to as "special games". The special symbols include jackpot symbols and losing symbols. The special design may include a small winning design. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a big win is won in a special pattern win lottery, the big win patterns are stop-displayed in a special game, and after the special game of the big win is finished, a big win game is awarded. The jackpot game will be described later.

The first suspension display unit 21c indicates the number of first special games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the first suspension number). Display identifiable information. The second pending display unit 21d indicates the number of times the execution of the second special game is suspended because the pending condition has been met but the start condition has not yet been met (hereinafter referred to as the second pending number). Display identifiable information.

The normal symbol display unit 21e can execute a normal game in which predetermined symbols are variably displayed and the normal symbols are finally stopped and displayed. The normal symbol is a symbol for notifying the result of the internal lottery (normal symbol winning lottery). The normal pattern includes a normal winning pattern and a normal losing pattern. In the pachinko game machine 10, when a normal win is won in a win lottery of normal symbols, the normal win symbols are stopped and displayed in the normal game, and after the end of the normal game, the normal win game is provided.

The normal suspension display portion 21f displays information that can specify the number of normal games whose execution is suspended because the suspension condition has been satisfied but the start condition has not been satisfied yet. The information display device 21 may include a right-handed display unit that displays information instructing right-handed players and a round display unit that notifies the upper limit number of round games.

The pachinko game machine 10 has an effect display section 19. - 特許庁The effect display section 19 has an image display area 19a capable of displaying an image. The effect display unit 19 is assembled to the game board 20 so that the image display area 19a can be viewed through the display window 20b. For example, the effect display section 19 is a liquid crystal device. The effect display unit 19 can execute the effect of displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as display effect). For example, the predetermined images are images such as production designs, characters, landscapes, characters (strings of characters), numbers, and symbols. In the following description, when these characters and the like are simply referred to as "display", it means that these characters and the like are displayed as images. The effect display unit 19 can execute notification for displaying a predetermined image (hereinafter referred to as display notification).

Here, the effect sound unit 12, the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect display unit 19 are all effect units capable of executing a predetermined effect, and constitute the effect device ES composed of a plurality of effect units. The effect sound unit 12, the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect display unit 19 are all examples of notification units capable of executing predetermined notification. The effect device ES can also be understood as a notification device. The production unit and the notification unit included in the production device ES are not limited to the production sound unit 12, the production light emitting unit 14, and the production display unit 19, and are configured by omitting a part of these production units. good too. The effect device ES may include, in addition to the effect unit and the notification unit, or in place of any one or more of them, an effect movable part that executes a movable effect, and an effect vibration that executes a vibration effect. You may have a part.

For example, the display effect in the effect display unit 19 includes a effect symbol variation game (hereinafter referred to as effect game) using a plurality of lines of effect symbols (decorative symbols). In the effect game, a plurality of rows of effect symbols are variably displayed, and finally a combination of effect symbols (hereinafter referred to as a symbol combination) is stopped and displayed. The effect pattern (decorative pattern) is a pattern decorated with a character, a pattern, or the like, and is a pattern for diversifying the display effect. As an example, the effect game is performed by variably displaying (scrolling) the effect symbols of the left symbol row, the middle symbol row, and the right symbol row in a predetermined direction. The effect game may include a reach effect performed by forming a reach. The effect game starts with the special game and ends with the special game. In the performance game, symbol combinations corresponding to the special symbols that are stopped and displayed in the special game are stopped and displayed. When the big win symbols are stop-displayed in the special game, the big win pattern combination is stop-displayed in the performance game. When the winning symbols are stop-displayed in the special game, the winning symbol combination is stop-displayed in the performance game. In the following description, the special game and the effect game executed together with the special game are collectively referred to as "variation game".

A game board 20 is formed with a plurality of winning holes 23 into which game balls can enter. These plurality of winning openings 23 open in the game area 20a. The multiple winning openings 23 include a first starting opening 23A, a second starting opening 23B, a large winning opening 23C, and a normal winning opening 23D. The plurality of winning openings may include winning openings different from these winning openings 23 .

The first starting hole 23A is a prize winning hole into which game balls are entered in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the first special game. As an example, the first starting port 23A is located below the effect display section 19 . The first starting port 23A is opened so that game balls can be entered at all times. The game board 20 includes a first starting sensor D11 for detecting a game ball entering the first starting hole 23A (see FIG. 9).

The second starting port 23B is a prize winning port into which game balls are entered in order to satisfy the conditions for awarding prize balls and the conditions for holding the second special game. As an example, the second starting port 23B is to the right of the first starting port 23A. The second starting port 23B is provided with a normal opening/closing piece 23Ba having a door shape, for example. The second starting port 23B is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the normal winning game is not provided. The second starting port 23B is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a normal winning game is given. The game board 20 has a normal solenoid SL1 as a means for opening the second starting port 23B (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 also includes a second starting sensor D12 for detecting a game ball entering the second starting hole 23B (see FIG. 9). The normal opening/closing piece 23Ba is a so-called "normal electric accessory".

The big winning hole 23C is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered in order to establish the awarding condition of the prize ball. As an example, the big winning opening 23C is located on the lower right side of the effect display section 19 . The special prize opening 23C is provided with a special opening/closing piece 23Ca, for example, in the shape of a door. The big winning opening 23C is closed so that the game ball cannot enter or is difficult to enter when the big winning game is not provided. The big winning opening 23C is opened so that a game ball can be entered or can be easily entered when a big winning game is awarded. The game board 20 is provided with a special solenoid SL2 as means for opening the big winning opening 23C (see FIG. 9). The game board 20 also includes a count sensor D13 that detects a game ball that has entered the big winning hole 23C (see FIG. 9).

The normal winning hole 23D is a winning hole into which a game ball is entered in order to establish the condition for awarding a prize ball. As an example, the normal prize winning opening 23D is located at the lower left side of the effect display section 19 and the lower right side of the effect display section 19, respectively. The normal winning opening 23D is opened so that game balls can be entered at all times. The game board 20 is provided with a normal sensor D14 for detecting a game ball entering the normal winning hole 23D (see FIG. 9).

The game board 20 has a gate 24 . As an example, the gate 24 is located in the right area of the game area 20a and above the second starting opening 23B and the big winning opening 23C. A gate opening 24 a is formed in the gate 24 . The gate opening 24a is always open so that game balls can be entered. The gate 24 has a gate sensor D15 that detects a game ball entering the gate opening 24a (see FIG. 9). The gate 24 is a ball entrance through which a game ball is entered in order to establish the conditions for starting the normal game. Even if a game ball enters the gate 24, the conditions for awarding prize balls are not established.

An out port 25 is formed in the game board 20 . As an example, the out port 25 opens at the lowest part of the game area 20a. The game ball enters the out port 25 when it does not enter any of the first starting port 23A, the second starting port 23B, the big winning port 23C, and the normal winning port 23D. The plurality of prize winning ports 23 and the out port 25 can be grasped as a discharge port for discharging game balls from the game area 20a or a collection port for collecting game balls from the game area 20a. A game ball is ejected from the game board 20 when it enters a plurality of winning holes 23 or an out hole 25.例文帳に追加Hereinafter, a game ball ejected from the game board 20 through a plurality of winning holes 23 or an out hole 25 may be referred to as an out ball.

The mounting frame 11b also includes a radio wave sensor D16 that detects radio waves exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal radio waves (see FIG. 9). The radio wave sensor D16 outputs a radio wave detection signal when detecting an abnormal radio wave. The game board 20 may include a radio wave sensor in addition to the radio wave sensor D16 on the mounting frame 11b. The pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to detect abnormal radio waves on the game board 20 . The pachinko game machine 10 does not have a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism exceeding a predetermined intensity as abnormal magnetism. Not limited to this, the pachinko game machine 10 may include a magnetic sensor in one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20. FIG. The pachinko game machine 10 may be configured to detect the approach of a magnet.

The mounting frame 11b has a first door opening switch D17 for detecting that the protective frame 11c is opened with respect to the mounting frame 11b (see FIG. 9). The first door opening switch D17 outputs a first door opening signal when detecting opening of the protection frame 11c. The mounting frame 11b has a second door opening switch D18 for detecting that the mounting frame 11b is opened with respect to the outer frame 11a (see FIG. 9). The second door open switch D18 outputs a second door open signal when the opening of the mounting frame 11b is detected.

The player can adjust the shooting intensity of the game ball by operating the shooting operation section 15 . In other words, the player can hit the game ball in the left area on the left side of the display window 20b and the right area on the right side of the display window 20b. A game ball may enter the second starting hole 23B, the big winning hole 23C, the normal winning hole 23D, or the gate 24 when flowing down the right area. When the game ball flows down the left area, there is a possibility that it enters the first starting hole 23A or the normal winning hole 23D.

The frame 11 (mounting frame 11b) includes a circulation mechanism 29 for game balls.
As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation mechanism 29 includes a recovery mechanism 30, a circulation mechanism 50, a shooting mechanism 60, and a ball extraction mechanism . The recovery mechanism 30 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The collection mechanism 30 guides the game balls discharged from the game board 20 (game area 20 a ) to the circulation mechanism 50 . The collecting mechanism 30 is configured by combining downwardly extending passages or downwardly sloping passages. When the game balls are received by the collection mechanism 30 from the game board 20 , they can reach the circulation mechanism 50 by flowing down the passage that constitutes the collection mechanism 30 .

The circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The circulation mechanism 50 conveys the game balls received from the recovery mechanism 30 in a predetermined direction. As an example, the circulation mechanism 50 conveys game balls upward. The firing mechanism 60 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The game balls are received by the shooting mechanism 60 when transported by the circulation mechanism 50 . The shooting mechanism 60 can shoot the game balls conveyed by the circulation mechanism 50 toward the game area 20a. The ball removing mechanism 70 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. The ball extraction mechanism 70 is a mechanism for extracting game balls from the recovery mechanism 30 , the circulation mechanism 50 and the shooting mechanism 60 .

The flow of game balls in the circulation mechanism 29 will be described. Assume that a game ball is shot by the shooting mechanism 60 . The game ball can reach the game area 20a. When the game ball reaches the game area 20a, it enters a plurality of winning openings 23 or out openings 25. - 特許庁The game balls are discharged to the collection mechanism 30 from a discharge port (not shown) formed in the game board 20 . The game balls pass through the collection mechanism 30 and reach the circulation mechanism 50. - 特許庁Game balls are transported by the circulation mechanism 50 . The game ball returns to the launching mechanism 60. That is, the circulation mechanism 50 circulates the game balls collected from the game board 20 . Each mechanism will be described in detail below.

The collection mechanism 30 will be described in detail.
The mounting frame 11b is formed with one or more prize receiving openings 30a, one or more non-winning receiving openings 30b, and one or more foul receiving openings 30c. The prize receiving port 30 a is formed below the discharge ports (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 and discharging game balls that have entered the plurality of prize winning ports 23 . The prize receiving port 30 a receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 through the plurality of prize winning ports 23 . The non-win receiving port 30b is formed below the discharge port (not shown) formed at the lower end of the game board 20 for discharging the game ball entering the out port 25 . The non-win receiving port 30b receives game balls discharged from the game board 20 via the out port 25. - 特許庁The foul receiving port 30c is formed below the hitting passage 20c. The foul receiving port 30c receives a game ball (hereinafter referred to as a foul ball) falling from the hitting passage 20c. A foul ball is a game ball that has been shot by the shooting mechanism 60 but has not reached the game area 20a.

The mounting frame 11b is formed with a winning path 31 connected to the winning opening 30a, a non-winning path 32 connecting to the non-winning opening 30b, and a foul path 33 connecting to the foul receiving opening 30c. The winning path 31 and the non-winning path 32 merge at the first junction 34 . The mounting frame 11b is formed with a confluence passage 35 connected to the first confluence portion 34. As shown in FIG. The merging passage 35 and the foal passage 33 merge at a second merging portion 36 . A circulation passage 37 that connects the second junction 36 and the circulation mechanism 50 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The winning passage 31, the non-winning passage 32, the foul passage 33, the merging passage 35, and the distribution passage 37 constitute an example of a discharged ball passage 40 through which game balls including out balls discharged from the game area 20a can flow. In the following description, simply referring to "upstream side" and "downstream side" indicates the upstream side and downstream side in the direction of circulation (flowing direction) of game balls in the discharged ball passage 40, respectively.

The mounting frame 11b is provided with a foul sensor D21 for detecting game balls (foul balls) flowing through the foul passage 33. As shown in FIG. The foul sensor D21 is provided in the foul path 33 or a portion adjacent to the foul path 33 . The foul sensor D21 outputs a foul signal when a game ball is detected. The foul signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is provided with a winning path count sensor D25 for detecting game balls flowing through the winning path 31. - 特許庁The prize-winning passage count sensor D25 is provided in the prize-winning passage 31 or a portion adjacent to the prize-winning passage 31 . The winning path count sensor D25 outputs a winning path signal when a game ball is detected. The winning path signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b includes a non-winning passage count sensor D26 for detecting game balls circulating in the non-winning passage 32. - 特許庁The non-winning passage count sensor D26 is provided in the non-winning passage 32 or a portion adjacent to the non-winning passage 32. - 特許庁The non-winning passage count sensor D26 outputs a non-winning passage signal when detecting a game ball. The non-winning path signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is provided with an out sensor D30 for detecting game balls flowing through the confluence passage 35. - 特許庁The out sensor D<b>30 is provided in the joint passage 35 or in a portion adjacent to the joint passage 35 . The out sensor D30 outputs an out signal when a game ball is detected. The out signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The mounting frame 11b is provided with a ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 for detecting game balls circulating in the circulation passage 37. - 特許庁The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided in the circulation passage 37 or in a portion adjacent to the circulation passage 37 . The clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 outputs a circulation detection signal when detecting a game ball. The distribution detection signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

The foul sensor D21, the winning path count sensor D25, the non-winning path count sensor D26, the out sensor D30, and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 are examples of game ball detection units capable of detecting game balls in the discharge ball path 40. The out sensor D30 is an example of an out ball detecting section capable of detecting an out ball because it detects a game ball in the confluence passage 35 which is a passage after the winning passage 31 and the non-winning passage 32 join. Further, the foul sensor D21 is an example of a detection unit capable of detecting a foul ball because it detects a game ball in the foul path 33 . The clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 is an example of a flowing ball detector.

The circulation mechanism 50 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 4, the circulation mechanism 50 includes a transfer inlet side passage 38a, a transfer inlet sensor D28, a transfer portion 52, a transfer outlet side passage 38c, and a transfer outlet sensor D29. The transport entrance side passage 38a receives game balls that have circulated through the circulation passage 37. - 特許庁The transport entrance sensor D28 detects a game ball received from the distribution passage 37 to the transport entrance side passage 38a. The transport unit 52 transports game balls that have flowed through the transport entrance side passage 38a. The transport outlet side passage 38c receives the game ball transported by the transport section 52. As shown in FIG. The transport exit sensor D29 detects a game ball transported by the transport unit 52 and received in the transport exit side passage 38c. The game balls flow out from the circulation mechanism 50 and are supplied to the shooting mechanism 60 . A more specific example of the configuration of the circulation mechanism 50 will be described below.

As shown in FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b), the transport inlet side passage 38a is connected to the circulation passage 37. As shown in FIGS. The conveying entrance side passage 38a extends with an inclination downward from left to right. The transport entrance side passage 38a receives game balls that have circulated through the circulation passage 37. - 特許庁The game ball received in the transport entrance side passage 38 a reaches the transport section 52 .

The transport entrance sensor D28 detects game balls received from the circulation passage 37 in the transport entrance side passage 38a. In other words, the transport entrance sensor D28 can detect game balls received by the transport unit 52 . The conveying entrance sensor D28 is provided in the conveying entrance side passage 38a or a portion adjacent to the conveying entrance side passage 38a. That is, the transport entrance sensor D28 can detect game balls in the transport entrance side passage 38a. The transport entrance sensor D28 is an example of a received ball detection section. The conveying inlet sensor D28 is an example of a first ball detector. The transport entrance sensor D28 outputs a transport entrance signal when a game ball is detected. The transport entrance signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The transport section 52 includes a passage member 52h, a screw 52c, a transport motor 52a, a power transmission section 52d, and a position detection mechanism 52b. The passage member 52h is a tubular member extending along the direction in which the game ball is conveyed by the conveying portion 52 (upward as an example). An internal space surrounded by the passage member 52h serves as a conveying section passage 38b. A lower end side portion or a lower end portion of the conveying section passage 38b is connected to the conveying entrance side passage 38a. In other words, the game ball is received in the lower end side portion or the lower end portion of the transport section passage 38b.

The screw 52c has a shaft portion 52ca that extends along the transport direction of the game ball by the transport portion 52, and a locking portion 52cb that is a helical ridge provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft portion 52ca. The screw 52c is surrounded by a passage member 52h. The screw 52c is arranged in the transport section passage 38b. When the screw 52c is rotated around the axis of the shaft portion 52ca, the game ball flows from the transport inlet side passage 38a into the conveying portion passage 38b, and is locked by the locking portion 52cb, and is released into the conveying portion passage 38b. are conveyed in the conveying direction (upward as an example). In the following description, among the rotation directions of the screw 52c, the direction in which the game ball is conveyed toward the conveying direction is indicated as "forward direction", the rotation in the forward direction is indicated as "forward rotation", and the reverse direction is indicated. "Reversal" indicates that the

As an example, the power transmission section 52d includes a first gear 52da, a second gear 52db, and a third gear 52dc. The third gear 52dc is fixed to the lower end of the shaft portion 52ca of the screw 52c. The third gear 52dc is configured to be rotatable integrally with the shaft portion 52ca. The second gear 52db is arranged so as to mesh with the third gear 52dc. The first gear 52da is arranged so as to mesh with the second gear 52db.

As an example, the transport motor 52a is a stepping motor. The aforementioned first gear 52da is fixed to the output shaft (rotating shaft) of the transport motor 52a. When the output shaft rotates as the transport motor 52a is driven, the rotational motion of the output shaft is transmitted to the screw 52c by the gears 52da to 52dc that mesh with each other. That is, the power of the conveying motor 52a is transmitted to the screw 52c. In the following description, of the rotation directions of the conveying motor 52a, the direction in which the screw 52c rotates forward is referred to as "forward rotation," rotation in the forward direction is referred to as "forward rotation," and rotation in the reverse direction is referred to as "forward rotation." is denoted as "reversed". The transport motor 52a is an example of a drive motor.

As an example, the position detection mechanism 52b includes a protrusion 52ba that protrudes in the rotation axis direction of the second gear 52db, and a position sensor 52bb that detects the protrusion 52ba. Position sensor 52bb will output a position detection signal, if projection part 52ba is detected. The position detection signal turns on when the protrusion 52ba is detected, and turns off when it is not detected.

As an example, the rotational position of the screw 52c when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state is defined as the original position of the screw 52c. The state where the screw 52c is at the original position is an example of the reference state of the screw 52c. The state where the screw 52c is not at the original position is an example of a state that is not the reference state (hereinafter referred to as a non-reference state). As an example, the rotational position of the transport motor 52a when the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state is determined as the original position of the transport motor 52a. The position sensor 52bb can detect the state of the screw 52c by detecting the protrusion 52ba. The position sensor 52bb is an example of a state detector.

As an example, the gears 52da-52dc may all be gears of the same shape and size. In this case, when the first gear 52da rotates once, the second gear 52db and the third gear 52dc (screw 52c) also rotate once. In other words, the position sensor 52bb detects the protrusion 52ba once each time the screw 52c rotates once. Further, the rotating direction of the output shaft when the transport motor 52a is driven coincides with the rotating direction of the screw 52c. Not limited to this, the conveying unit 52 may be configured such that the screw 52c rotates a plurality of times each time the position sensor 52bb detects the protrusion 52ba once. In other words, the conveying unit 52 may be configured such that the screw 52c rotates n times each time the position sensor 52bb detects the protrusion 52ba (where n is a natural number equal to or greater than 1). Not limited to this, n may not be a natural number. In other words, it can be said that the screw 52c reaches the reference state every n rotations.

When the screw 52c continues to rotate forward, the screw 52c returns to its original position at regular or substantially regular intervals. That is, the state of the screw 52c alternates between the reference state and the non-reference state. The conveying portion 52 receives the game ball from the conveying entrance side passage 38a when the screw 52c is at the original position, and conveys the received game ball by forward rotation of the screw 52c. The conveying portion 52 is configured to receive one game ball from the conveying entrance side passage 38a each time the screw 52c rotates once. Not limited to this, the transport unit 52 may be configured to receive m game balls each time the screw 52c rotates p. The conveying unit 52 discharges m game balls to the conveying outlet side passage 38c each time the screw 52c rotates p. As an example, p=1 and m=1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and p and m may each be an arbitrary value of 1 or 2 or more. The operation of conveying the game ball as the state of the screw 52c alternately changes between the reference state and the non-reference state is an example of the conveying operation. The screw 52c is an example of a conveying member capable of conveying the game ball in the conveying section passage 38b.

In addition, when a certain game ball flows from the transport entrance side passage 38a into the transport portion passage 38b, the game ball is discharged to the transport exit side passage 38c when the screw 52c rotates r. As an example, r=10, but not limited to this. r may be appropriately changed according to the length required to be conveyed to the firing section 65 and the members constituting the conveying section 52 .

The conveying outlet side passage 38c is connected to the upper end side portion or the upper end portion of the conveying portion passage 38b. The conveying outlet side passage 38c extends with an inclination downward from the right to the left. The transport outlet side passage 38c receives game balls transported by the transport unit 52. - 特許庁The transport outlet side passage 38c is connected to a later-described supply inlet side passage 62a. The game ball received by the transport exit side passage 38c flows through the transport exit side passage 38c and is received by the supply entrance side passage 62a. The game ball received in the supply entrance side passage 62a reaches the shooting mechanism 60. - 特許庁As described above, the transport unit 52 receives game balls from the discharge ball passage 40 and transports them to the shooting unit 65 .

The transport exit sensor D29 detects game balls transported by the transport unit 52 in the transport exit side passage 38c. That is, the transport entrance sensor D28 can detect game balls discharged from the transport unit 52 . The transport exit sensor D29 is provided in the transport exit passage 38c or in a portion adjacent to the transport exit passage 38c. In other words, the transport entrance sensor D28 can detect the game ball in the transport exit side passage 38c. The transport exit sensor D29 is an example of a second ball detection section. The transport exit sensor D29 outputs a transport exit signal when detecting a game ball. The transport exit signal is turned on when a game ball is detected, and turned off when not detected.

The transport entrance side passage 38a, the transport portion passage 38b, and the transport exit side passage 38c constitute an example of the transport passage 38, which is a passage through which game balls flow. The transport passage 38 is an example of a circulation mechanism passage. The transport entrance sensor D28 can detect game balls in the transport passage 38 upstream of the transport exit sensor D29. The transport exit sensor D29 can detect a game ball in the transport passage 38 downstream of the transport entrance sensor D28 in the game ball circulation direction.

The positional relationship of sensors capable of detecting game balls flowing through the discharge ball passage 40 and the transport passage 38 will be described.
The foul sensor D21 can detect game balls upstream of the jammed ball monitoring sensor D27. The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 can detect gaming balls downstream of the foul sensor D21. The winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26 can detect a game ball upstream of the out sensor D30. The out sensor D30 can detect a game ball on the downstream side of the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26.

The out sensor D30 can detect a game ball upstream of the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27. The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 can detect game balls downstream of the out sensor D30. The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 can detect game balls upstream of the transport unit 52 . The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 can detect game balls on the upstream side of the transport entrance sensor D28. That is, the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 can detect a game ball located closer to the out sensor D30 than the transport entrance sensor D28. The transport entrance sensor D28 can detect game balls on the downstream side of the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27.

The firing mechanism 60 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 4 , the firing mechanism 60 includes a supply section 61 and a firing section 65 . The supply unit 61 feeds the game balls transported by the transport unit 52 to the shooting unit 65 by cutting out the game balls one by one. The shooting unit 65 shoots the supplied game ball toward the game area 20a.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the supply portion 61 is formed with a supply inlet side passage 62a, a cutting mechanism 63, and a supply outlet side passage 62b. The supply entrance side passage 62a receives the game ball K conveyed by the conveying section 52. - 特許庁The supply entrance side passage 62a aligns the received game balls K in a row. The supply inlet side passage 62a is a passage extending downward toward a portion where the cutting mechanism 63 is located.

The cutout mechanism 63 includes a movable piece 63a capable of supplying game balls K, and a supply solenoid 63b for driving the movable piece 63a. When the movable piece 63a does not perform the supply operation, the movable piece 63a blocks the game ball K so as not to flow out from the supply inlet side passage 62a to the supply outlet side passage 62b. As shown in the flow from FIG. 6 to FIG. 7, when the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, only the leading game ball K among the game balls K lined up in the supply entrance side passage 62a is ejected from the supply exit. It is discharged to the side passage 62b. The supply outlet side passage 62b is a passage that extends downward toward the firing portion 65. As shown in FIG.

The supply unit 61 includes a supply entrance sensor D22 for detecting the game ball K received in the supply entrance side passage 62a on the entrance side of the supply unit 61. As shown in FIG. The supply inlet sensor D22 is provided in the supply inlet side passage 62a or in a portion adjacent to the supply inlet side passage 62a. The supply entrance sensor D22 outputs a supply entrance signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply entrance signal is turned on when the game ball K is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

The supply section 61 includes a supply outlet sensor D23 for detecting the game ball K released to the supply outlet side passage 62b on the outlet side of the supply section 61. As shown in FIG. The supply outlet sensor D23 is provided in the supply outlet side passage 62b or in a portion adjacent to the supply outlet side passage 62b. The supply outlet sensor D23 outputs a supply outlet signal when the game ball K is detected. The supply exit signal is turned on when the game ball K is detected, and is turned off when it is not detected.

As shown in FIG. 8, the shooting unit 65 includes a shooting hammer 66 capable of shooting game balls, and a shooting solenoid 66a for driving the shooting hammer 66. As shown in FIG. Firing solenoid 66a may be a motor. The game ball K flowing down the supply outlet side passage 62b of the supply portion 61 reaches the hitting position 67 of the shooting portion 65. - 特許庁As an example, the shooting operation of the shooting hammer 66 is an operation of hitting the game ball at the hitting position 67 to hit the game ball toward the hitting passage 20c. As indicated by the solid line and the two-dot chain line in the figure, when the shooting hammer 66 executes one shooting operation, one game ball at the hitting position 67 is shot into the hitting passage 20c. As indicated by the arrow Y1, the game ball flies through the hitting path 20c and can reach the game area 20a when it has sufficient launch strength. As indicated by arrows Y2 and Y3, the game ball stalls and falls in the hitting path 20c when the launch strength is insufficient. In this case, the game ball becomes a foul ball and flows into the foul passage 33 from the foul reception port 30c.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the distribution mechanism 29 has a maintenance section 55 .
As an example, the maintenance section 55 is formed on the mounting frame 11b. As an example, the maintenance section 55 is provided in the circulation mechanism 50 . As an example of maintenance, the maintenance section 55 is configured to polish the game ball by bringing the polishing member and the game ball into contact with each other. The polishing member may be an annular belt or a winding belt. As an example, the game ball may be subjected to predetermined maintenance by the maintenance section 55 after being detected by the transfer entrance sensor D28 and before being transferred by the transfer section 52 . As an example, the game ball may undergo predetermined maintenance while being transported by the transport unit 52 . As an example, the maintenance section 55 may be configured as a unit in which a polishing member and a mechanism for driving the polishing member are integrated. In this case, the maintenance section 55 is preferably assembled to the mounting frame 11b so as to be replaceable as a unit.

The circulation mechanism 29 has a ball extraction mechanism 70 .
As an example, the ball removing mechanism 70 is formed in the mounting frame 11b. The ball removing mechanism 70 includes a first ball removing portion 71 , a second ball removing portion 72 , and a ball removing passage 73 .

The first ball extraction part 71 is a part (hereinafter referred to as , a first connecting portion 71a). The first connection portion 71a is formed with a ball removal hole 71b penetrating through the wall or bottom in a predetermined direction. The ball extraction hole 71b may be a portion where the game ball discharge passage opens to the first connection portion 71a. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

The first ball extraction portion 71 has an opening/closing piece 71c that can be displaced between a sealing position that seals the ball extraction hole 71b and an open position that opens the ball extraction hole 71b. The opening/closing piece 71c is positioned at the sealing position by the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 71c is displaced to the open position by an external force such as by operating an operating portion (not shown) such as a lever, the ball extraction hole 71b is opened. As an example, the conveying inlet side passage 38a following the circulation passage 37 is inclined downward toward the first connecting portion 71a. Therefore, the game ball present in the circulation passage 37 can be discharged out of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b when the ball extraction hole 71b is open.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 to 8, the second ball extraction portion 72 is formed in the firing mechanism 60. As shown in FIGS.
As described above, when the movable piece 63a is not in the supply operation, the game ball is blocked in the supply entrance side passage 62a by the movable piece 63a. A ball extraction passage 73 is connected to a portion of the supply entrance side passage 62a where the leading game ball K among blocked game balls is located (hereinafter referred to as a second connection portion 72a). That is, the ball extraction passage 73 opens as a ball extraction hole 72b in the second connecting portion 72a. The ball extraction hole 72b is a hole penetrating through the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is downward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or backward.

The second ball extraction portion 72 has an opening/closing piece 72c that can be displaced between a sealing position that seals the ball extraction hole 72b and an open position that opens the ball extraction hole 72b. The opening/closing piece 72c is positioned at the sealing position by the biasing force of a biasing mechanism (not shown). When the opening/closing piece 72c is displaced to the open position by an external force such as by operating an operating portion (not shown) such as a lever, the ball extraction hole 72b is opened. As an example, the supply inlet side passage 62a is inclined downward toward the cutting mechanism 63 (movable piece 63a). Therefore, the game balls existing in the supply inlet side passage 62a flow into the ball removal passage 73 from the ball removal hole 72b.

The ball extraction passage 73 is connected to the first connection portion 71a. The ball extraction passage 73 is configured by combining passages extending downward or passages inclined downward. Therefore, the game ball that has flowed into the ball extraction passage 73 flows into the first connection portion 71a. The game ball can be discharged out of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b when the ball extraction hole 71b is open. The configuration is not limited to this, and the ball removing mechanism 70 may be configured without the ball removing passage 73 . In this case, the ball extraction hole 72b is preferably formed so as to pass through the wall or bottom of the second connecting portion 72a in a predetermined direction. As an example, the predetermined direction is backward, but is not limited to this, and may be forward or downward.

Next, the jackpot game will be described.
In the jackpot game, first, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as opening time). For example, the predetermined effect is an opening effect that allows recognition of the start of the jackpot game. In the jackpot game, after the opening time has elapsed, a round game for opening the big winning opening 23C is performed up to a predetermined upper limit number of times. One round game ends when a number condition that a predetermined upper limit number of game balls enter or a time condition that a predetermined upper limit time elapses is established. In the round game, the big winning opening 23C is opened in a predetermined opening mode (opening pattern). In each round game, a round production is performed. In the jackpot game, when the final round game ends, a predetermined effect is performed for a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as ending time). For example, the predetermined effect is an ending effect that allows recognition of the end of the jackpot game. The jackpot game is terminated when the ending time elapses.

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a probability variation function (hereinafter referred to as probability variation function).
The probability variation function is a function for varying the probability of winning a big win in a special symbol lottery (hereinafter referred to as "big win probability"). That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has a low probability state in which the variable probability function does not operate and a high probability state in which the variable probability function operates, as states in which the probability of big wins may differ. The high-probability state has a higher jackpot probability than the low-probability state. In the high-probability state, the jackpot probability is higher than in the low-probability state, which is extremely advantageous for the player. The high-probability state is a so-called "variable probability state (variable probability state)".

The pachinko game machine 10 is equipped with a ball entry assisting function.
The ball entry assistance function is a function for varying the rate of ball entry into the second starting hole 23B. In other words, the pachinko machine 10 has a low ball-entering rate state in which the ball-entering assist function does not operate and a high ball-entering rate state in which the ball-entering assist function operates as states in which the ball entering rate to the second start port 23B may differ. And prepare. In the high ball-entering rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second start hole 23B is higher than in the low ball-entering rate state. In the high ball entry rate state, the probability that the game ball enters the second start hole 23B increases, and the game ball enters the second start hole 23B easily. ball easy state). The high ball-entering rate state is a so-called "electrical sapo state", and the low ball-entering rate state is a so-called "non-electrical sapo state".

For example, the high ball entry rate state can be realized by performing one arbitrarily selected control among the three controls described below, or by performing a plurality of controls in combination. The first control is a normal symbol variation time shortening control that shortens the variation time of the normal game as compared to the low ball entry rate state. The second control is normal pattern probability variation control for varying the probability of winning the normal winning lottery (normal winning probability) to a higher probability than in the low ball entry rate state. The third control is an open time extension control that makes the total open time of the second starting port 23B in one normal winning game longer than in the low ball entry rate state. The opening time extension control is a control that increases the number of openings of the second starting port 23B in one normal winning game than when the ball is in a low ball rate state, and one opening of the second starting port 23B in the normal winning game. It is preferable that at least one of the controls for making the time longer than in the low ball entry rate state is employed. The high ball entry rate state may be realized by combining the fourth control described below. The fourth control is a special symbol variation time reduction control that shortens the variation time of the special game (for example, the average variation time) as compared to when the ball entry rate is low. When performing variable time shortening control of special symbols, the high ball rate state is the variable time shortened state of special symbols (time saving state), and the low ball rate state is the non-variable time shortened state of special symbols (non-time saving state ).

The game state is defined by a combination of whether or not the variable probability function is activated and whether or not the ball entry assist function is activated. In the following description, the gaming state of low probability and low ball-entering rate will be referred to as "low-probability low-ball-entering rate state", and the gaming state of high probability and low ball-entering rate will be referred to as "high-probability low-ball-entering state." Ball rate state”. In addition, a game state of low probability and high ball-entering rate is indicated as "low-probability and high-ball-entering rate state", and a gaming state of high probability and high ball-entering rate is indicated as "high-probability and high ball-entering rate state." ” indicates.

An electrical configuration of the pachinko gaming machine 10 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 9, the pachinko gaming machine 10 has a plurality of control boards. The plurality of control boards includes a game control board (main control board) 80, an effect control board (sub-control board) 81, a frame control board 82, and a launch control board 83. The frame control board 82 is an example of a control section capable of executing predetermined control. The plurality of control boards are provided at positions that cannot be accessed or visually recognized unless a locking device (not shown) is unlocked to open the mounting frame 11b.

The game control board 80 and the effect control board 81 are connected so as to be able to communicate in one direction from the game control board 80 to the effect control board 81 . The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and transmits control information to the effect control board 81 . For example, control information is a signal, a command, or a message. The effect control board 81 executes predetermined control based on the control information received from the game control board 80 . The game control board 80 and the frame control board 82 are connected so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The game control board 80 executes predetermined control and transmits control information to the frame control board 82 . The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and transmits control information to the game control board 80 . The frame control board 82 and the launch control board 83 are connected so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and transmits control information to the launch control board 83 . The launch control board 83 transmits control information to the frame control board 82 .

The frame control board 82 of the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the CU control board 120 of the management unit 100 are connected via a connection terminal board 98 provided in the pachinko gaming machine 10 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. be. The frame control board 82 executes predetermined control and transmits control information to the CU control board 120 . The CU control board 120 executes predetermined control and transmits control information to the frame control board 82 .

The pachinko game machine 10 has a power supply unit 99 on the back side of the machine. The power supply unit 99 receives power supply from the outside of the machine, converts the input voltage into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to the effect control board 81 and the frame control board 82 . The power supplied to the frame control board 82 is further supplied to the game control board 80 and the launch control board 83 . A power unit 99 provides power to the supply solenoid 63b, the firing solenoid 66a, various sensors and switches. The power supply unit 99 has a main switch 99a. The pachinko game machine 10 can be turned on by starting power supply to the power supply unit 99 with the main switch 99a turned on, or by turning on the main switch 99a with the power supplied. configured to

The game control board 80 will be explained in detail.
As shown in FIG. 10, the game control board 80 includes a CPU 80a, a ROM 80b, a RAM 80c, and a random number generation circuit 80d. The CPU 80a controls the progress of the game by executing the main control program. The ROM 80b stores a main control program, determination values used for various determinations and lotteries, tables, and the like. The ROM 80b stores multiple types of variation patterns. The variation pattern is information that can specify the variation time from the start of the special game to the end. The variation pattern is information that can specify the content of variation (content of presentation) of the presentation game performed during execution of the special game. Variation patterns include a big hit variation pattern and a loss variation pattern. In the production game based on the big win variation pattern, after the ready-to-win production, finally, the combination of symbols for the big win is stop-displayed. The performance game based on the losing variation pattern has variable contents in which the winning symbol combination is finally stopped and displayed through the ready-to-win effect or without the ready-to-win effect.

RAM80c memorize|stores various information rewritten according to the process result of CPU80a. For example, information stored in the RAM 80c includes flags, counters, and timers. The RAM 80c is an example of means capable of storing information. The random number generation circuit 80d generates hardware random numbers. The game control board 80 may be configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 80a.

The game control board 80 is connected to the first starting sensor D11, the second starting sensor D12, the count sensor D13, the normal sensor D14, and the gate sensor D15. The CPU 80a can input a detection signal output by each sensor D11 to D15 detecting a game ball. The game control board 80 is connected to each display section 21a-21f. The CPU 80a can control the display contents of each display section 21a to 21f. The game control board 80 is connected with each solenoid SL1, SL2. The CPU 80a can control the opening modes of the second starting opening 23B and the big winning opening 23C by controlling the operations of the solenoids SL1 and SL2.

The effect control board 81 will be described in detail.
The effect control board 81 includes a CPU 81a, a ROM 81b, and a RAM 81c. The CPU 81a performs processing related to effects by executing a sub-control program. The ROM 81b stores a sub-control program, a judgment value used for a predetermined lottery, and the like. The ROM 81b stores display effect data used for display effects, light emission effect data used for light emission effects, and sound effect data used for sound effects. The ROM 81b also stores display notification data used for display notification, light emission notification data used for light emission notification, and sound notification data used for sound notification. The RAM 81c stores various information that is rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is operating. For example, the information stored in the RAM 81c includes flags, counters, and timers. The effect control board 81 is configured to be capable of generating software random numbers through random number generation processing by the CPU 81a. The effect control board 81 may include a random number generation circuit and be capable of generating hardware random numbers.

The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect display section 19 . The CPU 81 a can control the display contents of the effect display section 19 . The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect sound section 12 . The CPU 81 a can control the output contents of the effect sound section 12 . The effect control board 81 is connected to the effect light emitting section 14 . The CPU 81 a can control the light emission mode of the effect light emitting section 14 . Thus, the effect display unit 19, the effect sound unit 12, and the effect light emitting unit 14 are controlled by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a).

The frame control board 82 will be described in detail.
As shown in FIG. 9, the frame control board 82 includes a CPU 82a, a ROM 82b, a RAM 82c, a performance display monitor 82d, a ball removal switch 82e, an error release switch 82f, a game ball clear switch 82g, a RAM clear switch 82h, a backup power supply 82j, a backup It comprises a circuit 82k and a fire enable circuit 82m. The error clearing switch 82f is an example of a specific operating section. The CPU 82a executes a frame control program to perform processing related to the operation of components mounted on the mounting frame 11b. The ROM 82b stores a frame control program and the like. The RAM 82c stores various information that is rewritten while the pachinko gaming machine 10 is operating. For example, the information stored by the RAM 82c includes flags, counters, and timers.

As an example, the performance display monitor 82d has a configuration in which a plurality (eg, 6) of 7 segments are arranged, and can display a plurality (eg, 6 digits) of numbers. The performance display monitor 82d is an example of a notification unit capable of executing a predetermined notification in a manner of displaying predetermined characters and numbers. The performance display monitor 82d displays the base value. The base value is a value indicating the ratio (proportion) of the total number of prize balls during a normal game to the total number of valid balls during a normal game. The normal game is a game when the low-probability low ball-entering rate state and no jackpot game is performed. The effective ball is a game ball that has reached the game area 20a among the game balls that have been shot from the shooting portion 65. As shown in FIG. The base value is obtained by a formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game/total number of effective balls during normal game×100". The performance display monitor 82d is an example of means capable of displaying information on the performance of the game ball (base as an example).

The ball removal switch 82e is an example of a ball removal operation unit that is operated to generate a state in which game balls inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged outside the machine (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal state). be. The ball extraction state is a state in which game balls can be discharged from the distribution mechanism 29 . The ball removal switch 82e outputs a ball removal signal when a pushing operation is performed. The ball removal signal is turned on when the ball removal switch 82e is pushed, and turned off when the ball removal switch 82e is not pushed. A ball removal signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The error release switch 82f is an example of a specific operation unit that can be operated to release the error setting when a predetermined error is set. Error setting is performed when the error is detected. The error cancellation switch 82f outputs an error cancellation signal when it is pushed. The error cancellation signal is turned on when the error cancellation switch 82f is pushed, and turned off when the error cancellation switch 82f is not pushed. The error cancellation signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The game ball clear switch 82g is an example of means operated to initialize to zero the second managed ball number PB (hereinafter referred to as second managed ball number information) stored as data in the RAM 82c. The game ball clear switch 82g outputs a game ball clear signal when a push operation is performed. The game ball clear signal is turned on when the game ball clear switch 82g is pushed, and turned off when the game ball clear switch 82g is not pushed. The game ball clear signal is output to the CPU 82a.

The RAM clear switch 82h is a switch operated when initializing information stored in the RAM 80c and information stored in the RAM 82c (hereinafter referred to as RAM clear). The RAM clear switch 82h outputs a RAM clear signal when pushed. The RAM clear signal is turned on when the RAM clear switch 82h is pushed, and turned off when the RAM clear switch 82h is not pushed. The RAM clear signal is output to the CPU 82a and also to the game control board 80 (CPU 80a).

The backup power supply 82j supplies backup power to the game control board 80 (RAM80c) in addition to the RAM82c even when the power supply from the outside is interrupted. In the following description, cutting off the power supply from the outside may be referred to as power off. The RAMs 80c and 82c receive backup power from a backup power supply 82j, so that the contents stored in the RAMs 80c and 82c can be retained even after the power is turned off. That is, the pachinko game machine 10 has a backup function. Not limited to this, one or both of the RAMs 80c and 82c are non-volatile memories capable of retaining stored contents even when the power supply is stopped, so that information can be retained even after the power is turned off. good too.

As an example, the backup power supply 82j is a power storage device that stores power by power supply from the outside. The backup power supply 82j maintains a predetermined time (hereinafter referred to as , supply time), the backup power is supplied to them. The supply time relates to the amount of power stored for supplying to the firing control board 83 and the firing solenoid 66a, and may be the time required to discharge the power, or the time defined by a predetermined circuit. may

The firing control board 83 (the firing control circuit 83a) and the firing solenoid 66a receive backup power from the backup power supply 82j, so that they can perform predetermined operations even after the external power supply is cut off. The firing unit 65 is cut off from the external power supply during at least one of the period during which the normal firing operation (firing sequence) is performed and the period during which the special firing operation (blank firing sequence) is performed. Even in the case where the power supply from the outside is cut off, it is configured to be capable of firing n times. As an example, n=1, but not limited to this, n=2 or n≧3.

All information stored in the RAM 80c is to be backed up. As an example, information that can be stored in the RAM 80c and that is to be backed up includes main information. The main information is information regarding the progress of the game. As an example, the main information includes information on the jackpot state (including the number of round games), information on the game state, information on the number of reservations, information on normal symbols and special symbols, and information on errors.

All information stored in the RAM 82c is to be backed up. As an example, information that can be stored in the RAM 82c and that is to be backed up includes second managed ball number information, game information, and performance information. The second managed ball number information is information that can specify the second managed ball number PB. The game information is information notified from the game control board 80 according to the progress of the game. As an example, the game information includes the occurrence of a starting gate win, the occurrence of a normal win, the occurrence of a big win gate win in a jackpot game, passage through a gate, the establishment of a special pattern (end of a variable game), the occurrence of a jackpot, and the current There is information that can specify the game state and the like. The performance information is a base value and information related to calculation of the base value. The information related to the calculation of the base value includes the total number of won prize balls during the normal game and the total number of effective balls during the normal game.

The backup circuit 82k outputs a power-off detection signal to the CPU82a and to the CPU80a of the game control board 80 when the power supply voltage supplied from the power supply unit 99 drops below the specified voltage. The launch permitting circuit 82m outputs to the launch control board 83 a signal (hereinafter referred to as a launch permitting signal) that can specify that the game ball is in a launch permitting state. The conditions for outputting the launch permission signal will be described later.

The frame control board 82 is connected to the counting operation section 18 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to receive the counting signal output by the counting operation section 18. As shown in FIG. The frame control board 82 includes a radio wave sensor D16, a first door opening switch D17, a second door opening switch D18, a foul sensor D21, a supply entrance sensor D22, a supply exit sensor D23, a winning path count sensor D25, and a non-winning path count sensor D26. , and a clogged ball monitoring sensor D27. In addition, the frame control board 82 is connected to the transfer entrance sensor D28, the transfer exit sensor D29, and the out sensor D30. The CPU 82a outputs radio wave detection signals, first door open signals, second door open signals, foul signals, supply entrance signals, supply exit signals, winning passage signals, non-winning passage signals, and distribution detection signals output by these sensors and switches. , a transport entrance signal, a transport exit signal, and an out signal. The frame control board 82 outputs the first door opening signal and the second door opening signal to the game control board 80 .

The frame control board 82 is connected to the notification audio section 13 . The CPU 82a can control the output contents of the notification sound section 13. FIG. The frame control board 82 is connected to the second ball number display section 17 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the display contents of the second ball number display section 17. FIG. The frame control board 82 is connected to the maintenance section 55 . The CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the maintenance operation of the maintenance section 55. FIG. The frame control board 82 is connected to the transport motor 52a. The CPU 82 a is configured to be able to control the transport operation of the transport unit 52 . The frame control board 82 is connected to the position sensor 52bb. The CPU 82a is configured to be able to input the position detection signal output by the position sensor 52bb. The frame control board 82 is connected to the supply solenoid 63b. The CPU 82a can displace the movable piece 63a by controlling the energization of the supply solenoid 63b. In other words, the CPU 82a is configured to be able to control the supply operation of the game balls by the supply unit 61. FIG.

The frame control board 82 is connected with the management unit 100 . The CPU 82a is configured to be capable of receiving various electronic messages output by the CU control board 120. FIG. The connection signal output by the management unit 100 is input from the connection terminal board 98 to the firing permission circuit 82m without passing through the CPU 82a. A firing stop signal output by the game control board 80 and an error signal output by the CPU 82a are also input to the firing permission circuit 82m.

The firing control board 83 includes a firing control circuit 83 a for controlling the operation of the firing section 65 . The firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a based on the control signal input from the frame control board 82 and the signal input from the sensor or switch.

The firing control board 83 is connected with the touch sensor D01, the firing stop switch D02, and the handle volume D03. The launch control circuit 83a is configured to be able to input touch signals, stop signals, and volume signals output by these switches and sensors. The firing control board 83 is connected with the firing solenoid 66a. When the firing control circuit 83a outputs a drive signal to the firing solenoid 66a, the firing solenoid 66a is driven and the firing hammer 66 hits the game ball. That is, the shooting control board 83 is configured to be able to control the shooting operation of the game ball by the shooting section 65 .

The firing control circuit 83a has an operation determination section, a pulse clock generation section, a timing pulse generation section, a holding circuit, and a solenoid drive section. The operation determination unit operates when the firing permission signal from the frame control board 82 is ON, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is OFF, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is ON. When the enabling condition is satisfied, an operation signal is output to the timing pulse generator. The operation determination unit determines that the firing permission signal from the frame control board 82 is on, the stop signal from the firing stop switch D02 is off, and the touch signal from the touch sensor D01 is on. is not satisfied in part or in whole, so that the operating signal is not output to the timing pulse generator.

When an operation signal is input, the timing pulse generator synthesizes the operation signal and the pulse signal input from the pulse clock generator, and outputs a firing timing pulse to the solenoid drive unit. The solenoid drive unit supplies (outputs) a drive current having a voltage corresponding to the volume signal (voltage) input from the handle volume D03 to the firing solenoid 66a each time the firing timing pulse is input. As a result, the shooting solenoid 66a is driven with an intensity corresponding to the amount of rotation of the handle lever 15a, and the game ball is shot. The launch control circuit 83a outputs a subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at a predetermined timing. The holding circuit holds the voltage (voltage value) of the volume signal at that point in time when the drive current is output while the operable condition is satisfied. The firing control circuit 83a (solenoid drive unit) supplies the firing solenoid 66a with a driving current of a voltage corresponding to the voltage value held (stored) in the holding circuit instead of the voltage value of the volume signal in the blank firing sequence described later. do.

Processing executed by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described.
The frame-side power-off processing will be described.
When the CPU 82a receives the power-off detection signal output from the backup circuit 82k, it executes power-off processing. In the frame-side power-off process, the CPU 82a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 82c. In addition, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can specify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 82a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 82c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The frame-side power-on process will be described.
When the voltage supplied to the frame control board 82 reaches the voltage required for the operation of the CPU 82a as the power is turned on, the CPU 82a executes the frame-side ball extraction process. In the frame side ball removal process, the CPU 82a determines whether or not a condition for shifting to the ball removal state (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal transition condition) is established.

As an example, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the second number of balls under management PB indicated in the second number of balls under management is zero. As an example, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the ball removal switch 82e is operated based on whether or not the ball removal signal is in the ON state before the operation effective period elapses. When the CPU 82a is activated upon power-on, the CPU 82a sets an operation valid period for a predetermined period. That is, the operation effective period can be set for a predetermined period after power-on. The operation effective period may be a length such as 40 ms that substantially requires turning on the power while operating the ball extractor switch 82e. The effective operation period is not limited to this, and may be a length such as 5000 ms that allows the administrator or the like to operate the ball removal switch 82e after the power is turned on. The operation valid period is not limited to being set as a period measured by timer processing or the like, and may simply be set as a period from power-on to a predetermined determination timing.

The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is met when the second managed ball number PB is 0 and the ball removal switch 82e is operated. The ball removal transition condition does not include the number of game balls inside the pachinko game machine 10.例文帳に追加In other words, the state of ball extraction can be shifted even if the number of game balls inside the machine is zero or less than a predetermined number. The CPU 82a determines that the ball removal transition condition is not established when the second managed ball number PB is not 0 or when the ball removal switch 82e is not operated. The CPU 82a ends the frame-side ball-drawing process without setting the ball-drawing state when the ball-drawing transition condition is not satisfied.

On the other hand, when the ball-drawing transition condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify that the ball is in the ball-drawing state. In other words, the CPU 82a sets the ball extraction state. In this manner, the ball-draw state can be shifted to when the ball-draw switch 82e, which is an example of the ball-draw operation unit, is operated during a predetermined operation valid period. The contents of the control in the ball extraction state will be described later. It should be noted that the ball extraction state cannot be canceled unless the power supply is cut off. When the state is changed to the ball-extracted state, the CPU 82a outputs to the game control board 80 control information indicating the transition to the ball-extracted state (hereinafter referred to as a ball-extraction start command). In addition, the game control board 80 (CPU 80 a ) outputs a ball removal start command to the effect control board 81 .

In the ball-pulled state, the CPU 82a does not execute processing for detecting some of the various errors described later. In other words, various sensors may be disabled in the ball extraction state. Further, the CPU 82a does not communicate with the management unit 100 when the ball is in the empty state. In other words, communication between the pachinko gaming machine 10 and the management unit 100 is invalidated in the ball-out state.

During the ball extraction state, the CPU 82a executes the first conveying process. The first conveying process is a process for controlling the conveying operation by the conveying section 52 during the ball extraction state. Here, the first transport process will be described in detail.

As shown in FIG. 11, in the first transport process, the CPU 82a monitors the state of the transport entrance signal output from the transport entrance sensor D28 and the state of the transport exit signal that can be output from the transport exit sensor D29. The CPU 82a controls the operation of the transport motor 52a of the transport section 52 according to the state of the transport entrance signal and the state of the transport exit signal.

As an example, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs a transport operation when both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the OFF state. In the following description, simply saying "activate the transport motor 52a" means to operate the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs a transport operation. For example, at the time point T1, the CPU 82a changes from a state in which both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in an off state to a state in which the transport entrance signal is in an on state and the transport exit signal is in an off state. Alternatively, the transport motor 52a may be operated without setting the standby time. For convenience of explanation, the time from when this situation change occurs to when the transport motor 52a is actuated may be referred to as standby time t0. As an example, the waiting time t0 is 0, but a time exceeding 0 may be set.

When operating the transport motor 52a, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c rotates at a predetermined rotational speed. The CPU 82a controls the conveying motor 52a so that the screw 52c rotates once at the specified time t10. The game ball that has flowed into the transport section passage 38b from the transport entrance side passage 38a is discharged from the transport outlet side passage 38c when the screw 52c rotates r. The game ball that has flowed into the conveying part passage 38b from the conveying entrance side passage 38a is discharged from the conveying exit side passage 38c after the time td has elapsed. The time td can be calculated based on the relational expression “t10×r”. As an example, when t10=270 ms/time and r=10 times, the time td is 2700 ms.

At time T2, the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is on, and the transport exit signal is off. Assume that the state changes to the ON state. In this case, at time T3, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the ON state of the transport exit signal is maintained for the standby time t1 (eg, 120 ms). At time T4, the state in which the transport motor 52a is stopped and both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the on state changes to the state in which the transport entrance signal is in the off state and the transport exit signal is in the on state. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped. At time T5, the transport motor 52a is stopped, the transport entrance signal is off, and the transport exit signal is on, to the condition where both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are on. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a keeps the conveying motor 52a stopped.

At time T6, the state in which the transport motor 52a is stopped and both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are in the ON state changes to the state in which the transport entrance signal is in the ON state and the transport exit signal is in the OFF state. Suppose it has changed. In this case, the CPU 82a activates the transport motor 52a when the transport exit signal is kept off for the waiting time t2 (eg, 30 ms) at time T7. Note that if the standby time t3 (for example, 200 ms) has not elapsed since the transport entrance signal was turned on before the standby time t2 has passed since the transport exit signal was turned off, the CPU 82a After the waiting time has passed, the conveying motor 52a is activated.

At time T8, the state in which the transport motor 52a is in operation, the transport entrance signal is ON, and the transport exit signal is OFF, is changed to a condition in which both the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are OFF. Suppose it has changed. In this case, at time T9, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the transport entrance signal and the transport exit signal are kept off for the waiting time t4 (eg, 3000 ms). In other words, it can be said that the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when the specified time elapses without the transport entrance sensor D28 detecting the game ball collected from the game area 20a.

At time T9, the CPU 82a outputs to the game control board 80 control information indicating completion of ball removal (hereinafter referred to as a ball removal completion command). In addition, the game control board 80 (CPU 80 a ) outputs a ball removal completion command to the effect control board 81 . The CPU 82a specifies that ball removal is completed based on the fact that the transport entrance sensor D28 no longer detects the game balls collected from the game area 20a or the transport motor 52a stops.

As an example, the standby times t0 to t4 are longer in the order of t0<t2<t1<t3<t4. Not limited to this, the standby times t0 to t4 may be set to times different from the above-described specific examples, and their length relationships may be changed.

The CPU 82a executes a communication check process when activated upon power-on. The communication check process is executed in parallel with the frame-side ball extraction process, and is executed until the frame-side power-off process is executed.

In the communication check process, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the start-up information is received from the game control board 80. As an example, the start-up information is gaming machine installation information. As an example, the gaming machine installation information is information that can specify the type of gaming machine, the ID number of the CPU 80a, the manufacturer of the CPU 80a, and the like. The CPU 82a transmits response information to the game control board 80 when the start-up information is normally received. After that, the CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can identify the reception of the start-up information (hereinafter referred to as a start-up reception flag).

When the CPU 82a does not receive the start-up information within a predetermined time ta (three minutes as an example) after the power is turned on, the CPU 82a stores in the RAM 82c a flag capable of specifying the occurrence of a communication error within the managed game machine. Let That is, the CPU 82a sets a communication error within the management gaming machine.

In the following description, when an error in a process performed by the CPU 82a is indicated as "set", it means that information (a flag as an example) that can identify the error is stored in the RAM 82c. If the error in the process performed by the CPU 82a is indicated as "clearing the setting", it means that the information that can identify the error (a flag as an example) is erased from the RAM 82c.

After that, the CPU 82a waits until it receives the start-up information. When the CPU 82a normally receives start-up information from the game control board 80 while setting the management game machine communication error, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the management game machine communication error and stores the start-up information in the RAM 82c. Not limited to this, the CPU 82a may set an intra-management game machine communication error when the reception of the start-up information and the transmission of the response information are not successful for a plurality of times (three times as an example). In this case, the start-up information received a plurality of times may be gaming machine installation information for the first time, and may be information different from the gaming machine installation information (eg, gaming machine information) for the second and subsequent times. Thus, the frame control board 82 can detect that there is an abnormality in communication with the game control board 80 as a communication error within the management game machine.

The CPU 82a determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal when the frame-side ball-drawing process is completed without setting the ball-drawing state and the start-up reception flag is stored in the RAM 82c. do. Here, if the start reception flag is not stored even after the frame side ball extraction process is completed, the CPU 82a waits until the start reception flag is stored. The CPU 82a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a also calculates the checksum value of the RAM 82c and determines whether the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the frame-side power-off process. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 82a determines that the operation is normal, and otherwise determines that the operation is abnormal. When determining that the backed-up information is abnormal, the CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball number information and game information stored in the RAM 82c. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the performance information. After that, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes frame-side normal processing, which will be described later.

On the other hand, when it is determined that the backed-up information is normal, the CPU 82a determines whether or not the game ball clear switch 82g is operated based on whether or not the game ball clear signal is on. The CPU 82a initializes the second managed ball number information stored in the RAM 82c when the game ball clear switch 82g is operated. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the game information and the performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the second managed ball number information when the game ball clear switch 82g is not operated.

The CPU 82a determines whether or not the RAM clear switch 82h has been operated based on whether or not the RAM clear signal is on. The CPU 82a initializes the game information stored in the RAM 82c when the RAM clear switch 82h is operated. At this time, the CPU 82a does not initialize the second managed ball number information and the performance information. The CPU 82a does not initialize the game information when the RAM clear switch 82h is not operated. In other words, the performance information is either in a situation where the second managed ball number information is initialized according to the operation of the game ball clear switch 82g or in a situation where the game information is initialized according to the operation of the RAM clear switch 82h. Even if there is, it is not initialized. After that, the CPU 82a returns based on the initialized or backed-up second ball number information, game information, and performance information, and executes frame-side normal processing, which will be described later.

The frame-side normal processing of the frame control board 82 will be described.
Of the frame-side normal processing, the game information storage processing will be described.
The game information generation process is a process of storing the game information received from the game control board 80 in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a stores the game information in the RAM 82c when receiving the game information that can specify the game state. By referring to the game information stored in the RAM 82c, the CPU 82a can specify whether or not the jackpot game is in progress, whether the high probability state and the high ball entry rate state. . In addition, when receiving various game information, the CPU 82a generates information that can identify the received game information and stores it in the RAM 82c.

The second transport process of the frame-side normal process will be described.
The second conveying process is a process for controlling the conveying operation by the conveying section 52 except during the ball extraction state. The second transport process has the same content as the first transport process described above.

As shown in FIG. 11, when the conveying entrance signal is in the ON state and the conveying exit signal is in the ON state at time T2, the CPU 82a stops the conveying motor when the state is maintained for the standby time t1. 52a is stopped. When the conveying entrance signal is on and the conveying exit signal is off at time T6, the CPU 82a operates the conveying motor 52a when this state is maintained for the standby time t2. When the transport entrance signal is in the off state and the transport exit signal is in the off state at time T8, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a when this state is maintained for the standby time t4. Further, when the conveying entrance signal is in the off state and the conveying exit signal is in the on state while the conveying motor 52a is operating, the CPU 82a stops the conveying motor 52a if this state is maintained for a predetermined waiting time. to stop

As described above, the CPU 82a operates the transport motor 52a under the transport condition that the transport entrance signal is ON and the transport exit signal is OFF. The transport condition includes that the transport entrance sensor D28 detects a game ball. The transport condition includes that the transport exit sensor D29 does not detect the game ball. The CPU 82a controls the conveying section 52 so as to convey the game ball to the launching section 65 in response to establishment of a predetermined conveying condition. In other words, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs the transport operation in accordance with the establishment of the predetermined transport condition. Controlling the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs the transport operation is an example of the first control.

Performance information generation processing of the frame side normal processing will be described.
Performance information generation processing is processing for calculating a base value as performance information. The CPU 82a refers to the game state flag, and determines whether or not the game is not in the jackpot game and the current game state is a low probability low ball entry rate state (that is, whether or not it is a normal game). In the case of a normal game, the CPU 82a outputs game information that can specify the occurrence of a start-up win (hereinafter referred to as start-up win-win information) or game information that can specify the occurrence of a normal win (hereinafter referred to as normal win-win information). ) is received, the total number of prize balls acquired during the normal game is added. The total number of won prize balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. When the CPU 82a receives a winning path signal or a non-winning path signal, it adds the total number of effective balls in the normal game. The total number of effective balls is stored in the RAM 82c as one piece of performance information. The CPU 82a calculates the base value by a formula of "total number of winning balls during normal game/total number of effective balls during normal game×100". The CPU 82a may count the total number of winning balls and the total number of valid balls for each minute, and calculate the base value every minute. The CPU 82a may count the total number of winning prize balls by dividing each time the total number of effective balls reaches a predetermined number, and may perform the calculation of the base value each time the total number of effective balls reaches a predetermined number. As an example, the predetermined number may be 60000 balls, or may be the maximum number (for example, 100 balls) that can be fired by the firing unit 65 per minute. The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to display information that can identify the calculated base value.

The CPU 82a may be configured to be able to calculate the role product ratio and the continuous role product ratio as the performance information and display them on the performance display monitor 82d. The role ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls acquired by operating the electric role product to the total number of prize balls acquired through all game states. The total number of prize balls acquired by the operation of electric accessories is the total number of prize balls acquired due to winning the second start port 23B by normal winning game (ordinary electric accessory operation), and the large number of winning balls by big hit game (special electric accessory operation) It is the sum of the total number of prize balls obtained when entering the prize opening 23C. The continuous role ratio is the ratio of the total number of prize balls obtained by the continuous role operation to the total number of prize balls obtained through all game states. The total number of prize balls obtained by the continuous accessory operation is the total number of prize balls obtained by winning the big prize opening 23C in the big hit game.

Of the frame-side normal processing, the second managed ball number information generation processing will be described.
The second management ball number information generation process is a process for generating (managing) the second management ball number PB. When the CPU 82a receives the obtained prize ball number information from the game control board 80, the obtained prize ball number that can be specified from the obtained prize ball number information is added to the second managed ball number PB. Acquired prize ball number information is control information output by the game control board 80 when a condition for awarding prize balls is established as a result of winning in a predetermined prize hole, and specifies the number of prize balls set for the prize hole. configured as possible. When receiving the rental information from the CU control board 120, the CPU 82a adds the number of rental balls indicated in the rental information to the second number of managed balls PB.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a foul ball based on the foul signal output by the foul sensor D21, the CPU 82a adds the second number of balls under control PB. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been collected as a foul ball when the foul signal transitions from off state to on state to off state.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the shooting section 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23, the CPU 82a subtracts the second managed ball number PB. In other words, when the CPU 82a detects that a game ball has been shot toward the game area 20a in response to the detection by the supply outlet sensor D23, the CPU 82a subtracts the second managed ball number PB. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply exit signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state. As a result, the electromagnetically managed game balls (the second number of managed balls PB) are converted into real balls. In this way, the CPU 82a reduces the second ball number PB according to detection by the supply outlet sensor D23.

Further, the CPU 82a may subtract the second number of managed balls PB by driving the shooting solenoid 66a. 2 The configuration may be such that the number of balls under management PB is subtracted. In this way, the second ball number PB is subtracted in relation to at least one of the shooting operation by the shooting unit 65 and the supplying operation by the supplying unit 61 . That is, the CPU 82a reduces the second number of managed balls PB according to the shooting of game balls. It should be noted that even if the ball removal switch 82e is operated when the second management ball number information generation process is executed, the state does not shift to the ball removal state because it is outside the operation valid period.

The second managed ball number information generation process is executed as the frame side normal process, but cannot be executed in the ball drawn state. In other words, when the ball is in the drawn state, the number of possession balls management control is invalid. In other words, even if a game ball enters a predetermined winning hole in the ball-out state, the prize balls that should be added are not added to the second number of managed balls PB unless the ball-out state is in effect. Also, as will be described later, when the ball is in the empty state, it may be possible to shoot the game ball. However, when the ball is pulled out, even if a game ball is shot, the second control ball number PB is not subtracted. In other words, in the ball extraction state, the game ball shooting operation can be grasped as part of the ball extraction work.

When the CPU 82a is in a countable state and receives a counting signal from the counting operation unit 18, it outputs counting information that can identify the number of balls to be counted to the management unit 100, and calculates the number of balls to be counted from the second number of balls under management PB. Subtract. The CPU 82a may output the counting information after subtracting the second number of balls under management PB, or may output the counting information and then subtract the second number of balls under management PB. As an example, the countable state is a state in which the required power is supplied and the second ball number PB is not zero. The CPU 82a controls the light-emitting body built in the counting reporting section 18a so that the counting reporting section 18a lights up when the counting is possible. Management of owned balls (second number of managed balls PB) is transferred from pachinko gaming machine 10 to management unit 100 by outputting count information to management unit 100 . As described above, the second management ball number information generation process is executed as the frame side normal process, but cannot be executed in the ball drawn state. That is, when the ball is in the drawn state, the operation of the counting operation unit 18, which is an example of the operation related to the held ball, is invalid.

The CPU 82a controls the second ball number display section 17 so as to display information that can specify the updated second ball number PB after addition or subtraction. The second number-of-balls display unit 17 may also be used as a device capable of displaying information capable of specifying an error set (detected) by the frame control board 82 .

Frame-side error setting processing of the frame-side normal processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the frame-side error setting process is a process of setting an error. As an example, in the frame-side error setting process, errors that can be set by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) include illegal radio wave detection errors, communication errors within managed gaming machines, game ball circulation mechanism abnormal errors, discharged ball path abnormal errors, and game ball errors. Includes circulating mechanism passage error, insufficient number of circulating balls, excess number of circulating balls, and door open error. The frame-side error notification process is a process of notifying an error in a predetermined notification mode when an error is detected in the frame-side error setting process. The details of the frame-side error setting process and the frame-side error notification process will be described in detail later.

Next, various processes performed by the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) will be described.
The board-side power-off processing will be described.
When the CPU 80a receives a power-off detection signal from the frame control board 82 (backup circuit 82k), it executes power-off processing. In the board-side power-off process, the CPU 80 a outputs a firing stop signal to the frame control board 82 . The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c and stores the calculated checksum value in the RAM 80c. In addition, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store information (hereinafter referred to as a backup flag) that can identify that the power-off process has been executed normally. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is completely turned off. Various information stored in the RAM 80c when the power is turned off is retained even after the power is turned off by the backup function described above.

The board-side power-on process will be described.
CPU80a prohibits the timer interrupt process when the supply voltage to the game control board 80 reaches the voltage necessary for the operation of the CPU80a and starts with the power-on. Subsequently, the CPU 80a executes communication confirmation processing.

In the communication confirmation process, the CPU 80a transmits start-up information to the frame control board 82. FIG. The CPU 80 a retransmits the start-up information to the frame control board 82 when a predetermined time tb (eg, 108 ms) elapses without receiving the response information after the start-up information is transmitted. After that, when the CPU 80a does not receive the response information from the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a transmits start-up information to the frame control board 82 every time the predetermined time tb elapses. The start-up information that is transmitted multiple times may be the same information, or may be different information so that the number of times of transmission can be specified.

Each time the CPU 80a transmits the start-up information to the frame control board 82, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the identifiable information (hereinafter referred to as the start-up transmission count) of the number of transmissions of the start-up information, and stores the result in the RAM 80c. When receiving the response information, the CPU 80a initializes the number of activation transmissions. The CPU 80a detects a communication line disconnection error when the number of startup transmissions reaches a specified number (eg, 10 times), and stores in the RAM 80c information that can identify the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error. That is, the CPU 80a sets a communication line disconnection error. When the CPU 80 a sets the communication line disconnection error, it outputs control information (hereinafter referred to as a communication line disconnection error command) that can specify the occurrence of the communication line disconnection error to the effect control board 81 . After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. On the other hand, the CPU 80a determines that the communication line is normal when receiving the response information to the start-up information. In this case, the CPU 80a causes the RAM 80c to store information that can identify the reception of the response information to the activation information (hereinafter referred to as activation response reception flag).

When the CPU 80a is activated upon power-on, the board-side ball extraction process is executed. The board-side ball removal process is executed in parallel with the communication confirmation process.
In the board-side ball extraction process, the CPU 80a determines whether a ball extraction start command has been input from the frame control board 82 or not. When the ball-drawing start command is not input, the CPU 80a ends the board-side ball-drawing processing without setting the ball-drawing state. In this case, there is a possibility that the communication confirmation process continues after the ball removal process ends. When the ball-draw start command is input, the CPU 80a detects the ball-draw state and stores information that can identify the occurrence of the ball-draw state in the RAM 80c. In other words, the CPU 80a sets the ball extraction state. CPU80a will output a ball extraction start command to the production|presentation control board 81 as control information which can specify the transition to a ball extraction state, if a ball extraction state is set. After that, the CPU 80a waits until the power is turned off. During standby, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 control information capable of specifying the completion of the ball removal (hereinafter referred to as the ball removal completion command) when the ball removal completion command is input. In this way, a communication line disconnection error can be detected using both a period in which the ball is pulled out and a period in which the ball is not pulled out as a confirmation interval. As an example, a communication line disconnection error is always detected from the time the power is turned on until the power is turned off.

The CPU 80a ends the board-side ball-drawing process without setting the ball-drawing state, and when the startup response reception flag is stored in the RAM 80c, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the backed-up information is normal. judge. If the start-up response reception flag is not stored even after the board-side ball removal process is completed, the CPU 80a waits until the start-up response reception flag is stored. The CPU 80a determines whether a backup flag is stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a calculates the checksum value of the RAM 80c and determines whether or not the calculated checksum value matches the checksum value calculated in the power-off process. When the backup flag is stored and the checksum values match, the CPU 80a determines that the operation is normal, and otherwise determines that the operation is abnormal. When the backed up information is determined to be abnormal, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an initialization command) that can specify that various information has been initialized. After that, the CPU 80a ends the board-side power-on process.

When determining that the backed-up information is normal, the CPU 80a determines whether or not a RAM clear signal is input from the frame control board 82 (RAM clear switch 87). When the RAM clear signal is input, the CPU 80a initializes the main information stored in the RAM 80c. In this case, the CPU 80 a outputs an initialization command to the effect control board 81 . On the other hand, when the RAM clear signal is not input, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as a power recovery command) that can be specified to return based on the backed up main information. After that, the CPU 80a ends the board-side power-on process.

After completing the board-side power-on process, the CPU 80a permits the timer interrupt process. In other words, the CPU 80a can execute processing for progressing the game (hereinafter referred to as board-side normal processing). If the main information has been initialized, the board-side normal processing is executed based on the initialized main information. That is, the CPU 80a is based on a state in which both the first special reservation number and the second special reservation number are zero, neither the first special game nor the second special game is being executed, and no jackpot game is given. to execute various processes included in the board-side normal process. If the main information is not initialized, the board-side normal processing is executed based on the backed up main information. That is, the CPU 80a executes the special game if the first special reserved number and the second special reserved number are the reserved numbers at the time of power failure, and either the first special game or the second special game is being executed. It returns to processing, and returns to the processing of giving a big win game if the big win game is being given.

The CPU 80a executes a special symbol input process, a special symbol start process, and the like as board-side normal processes as timer interrupt processes performed at predetermined control intervals (eg, 4 ms).
Of the board side normal processing, the special symbol input processing will be described.

The CPU 80a determines whether or not the game ball has entered the first start hole 23A based on whether or not a detection signal has been input from the first start sensor D11. When the game ball enters the first start hole 23A, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the first reservation number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the first reservation number and updates it. Subsequently, the CPU 80a controls the first pending display section 21c so as to display information capable of specifying the updated first pending number. The reservation condition of the first special game is established when the game ball is detected by the first starting sensor D11 when the first reservation number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires a random number generated by the random number generation circuit 80d, and stores random number information based on the acquired random number in the RAM 80c. For example, the random number is a winning random number used for a special symbol winning lottery, a winning symbol random number used for determining a winning symbol, and a variation pattern random number used for determining a variation pattern. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that the random number information is for the first special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. The random number information may be the acquired random number itself, or may be information obtained by processing the random number by a predetermined method.

When the random number information for the first special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the first starting port 23A, and when the first reserved number is not less than the upper limit number, the second Based on whether or not a detection signal is input from the starting sensor D12, it is determined whether or not the game ball has entered the second starting port 23B. When the game ball has entered the second starting hole 23B, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the second reservation number stored in the RAM 80c is less than the upper limit number (4 in this embodiment). When the second reservation number is less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a adds 1 to the second reservation number and updates it. The CPU 80a controls the second pending display section 21d so as to display information capable of specifying the second pending number after addition. The suspension condition of the second special game is established when the game ball is detected by the second starting sensor D12 when the second suspension number is less than the upper limit number.

Next, the CPU 80a acquires random numbers generated within the game control board 80, and stores random number information based on the acquired random numbers in the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a stores the random number information so that the random number information is used for the second special game and the storage order of the random number information can be specified. By storing the random number information used for the special game in the RAM 80c, the pachinko gaming machine 10 can suspend the execution of the special game until the condition for starting the special game is satisfied. When the random number information for the second special game is stored in the RAM 80c, when the game ball has not entered the second start port 23B, and when the second reservation number is not less than the upper limit number, the CPU 80a is a special symbol. End input processing.

Of the board side normal processing, the special symbol start processing will be described.
First, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the conditions for starting the special game are satisfied. The CPU 80a makes an affirmative determination when the big win game is not being played and the special game is not being executed, and makes a negative determination when the big win game is being played or the special game is being executed. If the special game start condition is not satisfied, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process. When the condition for starting the special game is satisfied, the CPU 80a determines whether or not the second reservation number is greater than zero. When the second reservation number is zero, the CPU 80a determines whether the first reservation number is greater than zero. When the first reserved number is zero, the CPU 80a terminates the special symbol start process.

When the first reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the first special game. Specifically, the CPU 80a updates the first reservation number by subtracting one. The CPU 80a controls the first pending display unit 21c to display information that can specify the first pending number after the subtraction. The CPU 80a acquires the random number information stored first among the random number information for the first special game from the RAM 80c. The CPU 80a uses a winning random number specified from the acquired random number information to perform a big winning lottery (big winning determination) as a special symbol winning lottery to determine whether or not to win a big winning. The CPU 80a performs a jackpot lottery with a jackpot probability according to the current probability state (whether or not the variable probability function is activated).

When winning the jackpot, the CPU 80a performs jackpot variation processing. In the big-hit variation process, the CPU 80a performs a big-hit symbol lottery using a winning symbol random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a big-hit symbol to be stop-displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of big hit variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

When the jackpot is not won, the CPU 80a performs loss variation processing. In the losing variation process, the CPU 80a determines the winning symbols to be stopped and displayed in the first special game. The CPU 80a performs a variation pattern determination lottery using a variation pattern random number that can be specified from the random number information, and determines a variation pattern from among a plurality of outlier variation patterns. After that, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process.

When the second reservation number is greater than zero, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing the second special game. In the process for executing the second special game, the "first special game" is changed to the "second special game", and the "first reservation number" is changed to the "second reservation". Since these processes are read as "number" respectively, detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the CPU 80a ends the special symbol start process after performing any variation process based on the subtraction of the second reserved number, the big win lottery, and the big win lottery result.

The CPU 80a outputs a variation start command and a special symbol command to the effect control board 81 in the big hit variation processing and the losing variation processing. The variation start command is a control command that can specify the variation pattern determined in each variation process and the start of the variation game. The special symbol command is a control command that can specify the special symbol determined in each variation process. The variation start command and the special symbol command are different control commands when the variation processing of the first special game is executed and when the variation processing of the second special game is executed.

After finishing the special symbol start process, the CPU 80a executes the first special game or the second special game by a process different from the special symbol start process. As an example, when executing the first special game, the CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the first special symbol display section 21a so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command that can specify the end of the variable game (hereinafter referred to as a variable end command) when the variable time defined in the variable pattern has passed.

As an example, when executing the second special game, the CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b so as to start variable display of predetermined symbols. The CPU 80a measures the variation time defined in the variation pattern. The CPU 80a controls the second special symbol display section 21b so as to stop and display the special symbol determined in the special symbol start process when the variation time set in the variation pattern has elapsed. Further, the CPU 80a outputs a variation end command to the effect control board 81 when the variation time set in the variation pattern has passed. As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 executes a special symbol input process and a special symbol start process by the CPU 80a, thereby performing a winning lottery triggered by the entry of a game ball into the starting hole, and the result of the winning lottery. A symbol variation game can be executed based on.

Of the board-side normal processing, the jackpot game processing will be described.
The big-hit game process is a process for giving a big-hit game. When the CPU 80a stops displaying the big win symbols in the special game, the CPU 80a executes the big win game process after the big win special game ends. The CPU 80a specifies the type of the big-hit game based on the big-hit design (type of the big-hit) determined in the special design start process. The CPU 80a is configured to award a specified type of jackpot game.

First, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command that can specify the start of the opening time (hereinafter referred to as an opening command). When the opening time has passed, the CPU 80a performs processing for executing a round game. As an example, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 using the specified opening control data for the big win game to open the big winning opening 23C. When the number of game balls detected by the count sensor D13 reaches the upper limit number or the upper limit time elapses, the CPU 80a controls the special solenoid SL2 to close the big winning opening 23C. End the round game. The CPU 80a repeats the processing for executing such a round game until the upper limit number of round games set for the big hit game is completed. CPU80a outputs the control command (henceforth a round command) which can specify the start of a round game to the production|presentation control board 81, whenever a round game is started. When the final round game ends, the CPU 80a outputs to the effect control board 81 a control command capable of specifying the start of the ending time (hereinafter referred to as an ending start command). When the ending time elapses, the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game. The CPU 80 a may output to the effect control board 81 a control command (hereinafter referred to as an ending end command) capable of specifying the passage of the ending time.

State transition processing of the board-side normal processing will be described.
When the CPU 80a ends the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern among the jackpot patterns, the CPU 80a sets a high probability flag in the RAM 80c. That is, the CPU 80a controls to the high probability state. The CPU 80a does not erase the probability variation flag until the next big winning game is given after the big winning game based on the first big winning symbol is finished. On the other hand, the CPU 80a does not set the high accuracy flag in the RAM 80c when finishing the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbol different from the first jackpot symbol. That is, the CPU 80a controls to the low probability state. The CPU 80a erases the high accuracy flag when the big hit game is started and the high accuracy flag is set. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the low probability state during the jackpot game.

The CPU 80a sets an operation flag in the RAM 80c when the jackpot game based on the first jackpot pattern or the second jackpot pattern ends. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the high ball-entering rate state. The CPU 80a updates the value of the execution counter stored in the RAM 80c each time the special game is started after the jackpot game based on the second jackpot symbols is finished, thereby increasing the number of executions of the special game after the jackpot game is finished. Count. The CPU 80a erases the operation flag stored in the RAM 80c when the special game in which the number of executions of the special game after the end of the jackpot game has reached the number of operations is completed. That is, after the big win game based on the second big win symbols is over, the CPU 80a controls to the low ball-entering rate state when the special game for the number of activation times is over. It should be noted that the CPU 80a does not erase the operation flag until the next big win game is given after the big win game based on the first big win symbol is completed. The CPU 80a erases the operation flag when the big hit game is started and the operation flag is set. In other words, the CPU 80a controls the low ball entry rate state during the jackpot game.

Various processes executed by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
The effect power recovery process will be described.
When the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the rendering section that constitutes the rendering device ES, and causes the RAM clear notification (initialization notification) to be executed. As an example, the RAM clearing notification is executed by outputting a voice that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "RAM clearing", from the effect sound unit 12 . As an example, the RAM clear notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting section 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to RAM clear. As an example, the RAM clearing notification is performed by displaying an image that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string “RAM clearing”, on the effect display section 19 . The CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the RAM clearing notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the RAM clearing notification. Further, when the initialization command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 so as to display a combination of a predetermined background image and a predetermined effect symbol.

When the power restoration command is input, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the production units that constitute the production device ES, and causes the power restoration notification to be executed. As an example, power restoration notification is executed by outputting a voice that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a person's voice reading out a character string "power is being restored", from the effect sound unit 12 . As an example, the power recovery notification is executed by causing the effect light emitting unit 14 to emit light in a light emission pattern dedicated to power recovery. As an example, the power restoration notification is executed by displaying on the effect display unit 19 an image that can specify the execution of RAM clearing, such as a character string "power is being restored". The CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the power restoration notification when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the power restoration notification. The configuration is not limited to this, and the CPU 81a may be configured not to execute the power restoration notification. Further, when the power recovery command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 to display a combination of performance symbols different from the combination of the predetermined background image and the predetermined effect symbols.

A description will be given of the jackpot effect processing.
The big-hit effect processing is a process for executing an effect (hereinafter referred to as a big-hit effect) during the big-hit game. When the opening command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the opening effect. When the round command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the round effect. When the ending start command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to execute the ending effect. When the ending end command is input, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES to end the ending effect.

The effect game processing will be described.
The effect game process is a process for executing the effect game as one of the display effects related to the special game during execution of the special game. When the CPU 81a inputs the variation start command and the special symbol command, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display section 19 so as to execute the effect game. Specifically, when a variation start command is input, the CPU 81a selects an effect pattern (details of effect) of the effect game based on a change pattern that can be specified from the command. Further, when the special symbol command is input, the CPU 81a determines a symbol combination to be stopped and displayed in the effect game based on the special symbol that can be specified from the command. When the CPU 81a can specify a big hit pattern from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines a big hit pattern combination. When the CPU 81a can identify the missing symbol from the special symbol command, the CPU 81a determines the missing symbol combination. It should be noted that the CPU 81a, when executing the ready-to-win effect, determines a combination of symbols that are not included in the ready-to-win game.

The CPU 81a controls the effect display section 19 so as to start the variable display of the effect symbols in each symbol row with the input of the variation start command as a trigger. That is, the CPU 81a starts the effect game. Further, when executing a predetermined effect in relation to the effect game, the CPU 81a controls the effect device ES including the effect display unit 19 so as to execute the effect. The CPU 81a temporarily stops and displays the symbol combination at a predetermined timing after starting the effect game, and stops and confirms the symbol combination upon input of the variation end command. It should be noted that the CPU 81a may cause the symbol combination to be determined and stop-displayed when the variation time set in the variation pattern elapses, regardless of the variation end command. In this case, the fluctuation end command may be omitted.

Errors detectable by the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described below.
As shown in FIG. 12, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) can detect and set various errors by executing frame-side error setting processing. Error detection is limited when the ball is unballed. The frame-side error setting process is one of the frame-side normal processes.

An illegal radio wave detection error has a detection condition that an abnormal radio wave has been detected a predetermined number of times k1 (eg, 10 times). The CPU 82a detects that an abnormal radio wave has been generated as an illegal radio wave detection error. When the radio wave detection signal is input from the radio wave sensor D16, the CPU 82a adds the radio wave detection times. Specifically, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the radio wave detection count when the radio wave detection signal transitions from an off state to an on state. The CPU 82a causes the RAM 82c to store information that can specify the updated radio wave detection count. The CPU 82a sets an illegal radio wave detection error when the radio wave detection count reaches a predetermined number k1. The predetermined number of times k1 is not limited to 10 times. Any of 2 to 9 times may be used, or 11 times or more may be used. The predetermined number of times k1 may be one time, but is preferably a plurality of times.

An unauthorized radio wave detection error is a state in which there is a high possibility that fraudulent activities using radio waves are being carried out. Unauthorized radio wave detection error is canceled when the power is restored. The CPU 82a does not cancel the illegal radio wave detection error setting until the power supply is stopped. In other words, there is no way to cancel the unauthorized radio wave detection error setting other than to restore power. For example, the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed. For example, the illegal radio wave detection error setting is not canceled even if the radio wave sensor D16 stops detecting abnormal radio waves. The setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error is not canceled even if the cause of the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error is resolved.

The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the illegal radio wave detection error when the power is turned on after being turned off. The CPU 82a may cancel the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned off, and may cancel the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error when the power is turned on. When canceling the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error, the CPU 82a initializes the radio wave detection count stored in the RAM 82c. Unauthorized radio wave detection errors are detected as confirmation intervals other than during the ball extraction state.

The communication error within the management game machine is detected under the condition that the communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally. The CPU 82a can detect a communication error within the managed gaming machine in the communication check process described above. When the CPU 82a does not receive the start-up information within a predetermined time ta (three minutes as an example) after starting by turning on the power, it specifies that communication with the game control board 80 is not performed normally. do. Specifically, the CPU 82a measures the post-boot time after the power is turned on until the boot time information is received after the CPU 82a is activated by the power on. When the CPU 82a receives the start-up information, the CPU 82a ends the measurement of the time after start-up. The CPU 82a sets an intra-management game machine communication error when the time after activation reaches a predetermined time ta.

The communication error within the management game machine is released under the condition that the communication is performed normally. When the CPU 82a receives the start-up information, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error. In other words, the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error is canceled when the cause of the setting of the intra-management game machine communication error is eliminated. The communication error within the management game machine is detected as a confirmation interval during the state of ball extraction and other than during the state of ball extraction. As an example, a communication error within a managed gaming machine is constantly detected from the time the power is turned on until the power is shut off.

The game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error indicates that the elapsed time from the reference time reaches a predetermined time t11 (504 ms as an example) without the position sensor 52bb detecting the protrusion 52ba when the screw 52c performs the transport operation. Make it a detection condition. The detection condition is an example of a first special condition. In other words, the first special condition is established when the predetermined time t11 elapses without detecting that the screw 52c is in the reference state while the screw 52c is performing the conveying operation. As an example, the reference time is either the time when the screw 52c starts the conveying operation or the time when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state while the screw 52c is performing the conveying operation. . The predetermined time t11 is an example of the first time.

Game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error, when the screw 52c is carrying out the transport operation, after the position sensor 52bb detects the protrusion 52ba, position sensor 52bb again before a predetermined time t20 (204ms as an example) elapses detects the protrusion 52ba as a detection condition. The detection condition is an example of a second special condition. That is, the second special condition is established when it is detected that the screw 52c is in the reference state again before the predetermined time t20 elapses after it is detected that the screw 52c is in the reference state. As an example, when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state again before the predetermined time t20 elapses after the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state, the second special condition is established. . The predetermined time t20 is an example of the second time. The first special condition and the second special condition are examples of special conditions.

The CPU 82a sets a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the first special condition is established. The CPU 82a sets a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the second special condition is satisfied. Hereinafter, the flow of processing when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set based on the establishment of either the first special condition or the second special condition will be described. The pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured such that when either the first special condition or the second special condition is established, a retry operation different from the conveying operation is performed by the screw 52c.

First, the flow of processing when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set based on the establishment of the first special condition will be described.
As shown in FIG. 13, at time T11, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the transport operation is performed when the transport condition is satisfied. Assume that the position sensor 52bb detects the protrusion 52ba at time T12. That is, at time T12, it is assumed that the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state. The state of the screw 52c at this point is the reference state.

It is assumed that the position detection signal does not transition from the OFF state to the ON state until the predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T12. That is, the position detection signal did not transition from the off state to the on state again until the predetermined time t11 elapsed from time T12 when the position detection signal transitioned from the off state to the on state, and thus the first special condition was established. and At time T13 after a predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T12, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs a retry operation different from the transport operation. Hereinafter, controlling the conveying motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs a retry operation different from the conveying operation will be referred to as retry control. Thus, when the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so as to perform the transport operation, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs the retry operation in response to the establishment of the first special condition. . Retry control is an example of second control.

The retry operation is an operation for resolving an abnormality of the conveying section 52 by rotating the conveying motor 52a forward, stopping, and reversely. For example, when there is an abnormality in meshing between the first gear 52da and the second gear 52db, the meshing can be normalized by performing a retry operation. For example, in the portion of the lower end side of the transport portion passage 38b that receives the game ball from the transport entrance side passage 38a, when the game ball is caught between the passage member 52h and the locking portion 52cb, and the screw 52c stops moving. In this case, a retry operation is performed to eliminate the pinching of the game ball.

At time T13, the CPU 82a ends the transport operation and controls the transport motor 52a to start the first retry operation. In this case, the CPU 82a adds 1 to information that can specify the number of retry operations to be executed in response to the establishment of the first special condition (hereinafter referred to as the first number of retry operations), and stores the information in the RAM 82c. At time T13, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a as the retry operation is started. At time Ta after the stop time t12 (eg, 12 ms) has elapsed from time T13, the CPU 82a rotates the conveying motor 52a in reverse. At time Tb after the reverse rotation time t13 (eg, 240 ms) has elapsed from time Ta, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a. At time Tc after the stop time t14 (eg, 12 ms) has elapsed from time Tb, the CPU 82a rotates the transport motor 52a forward. At time T14 after forward rotation time t15 (eg, 240 ms) has elapsed from time Tc, the CPU 82a ends the retry control. That is, the CPU 82a terminates the first retry operation. In this manner, the CPU 82a controls the conveying motor 52a in the order of stop→reverse rotation→stop→forward rotation as one retry operation. A retry operation is an example of a special operation.

At time T14, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a to start the transport operation following the retry operation. It is assumed that the position detection signal does not transition from the OFF state to the ON state until the predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T14. In other words, it is assumed that the first special condition is met because the position detection signal does not transition from the OFF state to the ON state during the elapse of the predetermined time t11 from the time T14 when the transport operation is started. At time T15 after a predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T14, the CPU 82a executes the second retry control. That is, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the second retry operation is performed. The CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the same operation as the first retry operation described above is performed. In this case, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the first retry count and stores it in the RAM 82c.

After that, when the second retry operation is completed, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so as to start the transport operation following the second retry operation. It is assumed that the position detection signal does not transition from the OFF state to the ON state until the predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T16. At time T17 after a predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T16, the CPU 82a executes the third retry control. That is, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the third retry operation is performed. The CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the same operations as the first retry operation and the second retry operation are performed. In this case, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the first retry count and stores it in the RAM 82c.

After that, when the third retry operation is completed, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so as to start the transport operation following the third retry operation. It is assumed that the position detection signal does not transition from the OFF state to the ON state until the predetermined time t11 has elapsed from time T18. In this case, the CPU 82a detects a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error. Specifically, the CPU 82a specifies the number of times the retry operation is performed based on the first number of retries stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a detects a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the number of executions of the retry operation is three and the first special condition is satisfied in the transport operation after the third retry operation is performed.

When the CPU 82a detects a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error at time T19 after a predetermined time t11 has passed from time T18, it stops the transport motor 52a. At time T20 after the stop time t12 has elapsed from time T19, the CPU 82a rotates the conveying motor 52a in reverse. At time T21 after reverse rotation time t13 has elapsed from time T20, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a. At time T21, the CPU 82a sets a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error. A game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is an example of a circulation mechanism abnormality error.

Here, for example, after execution of retry control (retry operation), if the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state before the predetermined time t11 elapses after the start of the transport operation, the CPU 82a 1 Retry count is initialized, and the transport operation is continued. The CPU 82a does not set the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the first special condition is not established after the execution of the retry operation. Thus, the CPU82a is a case where the retry control of a predetermined number of times k2 (three times as an example) is executed in accordance with the establishment of the first special condition, and when the first special condition is established, the game ball Set the circulation mechanism abnormality error. The predetermined number of times k2 is an example of the first number of times. The predetermined number of times k2 is not limited to three times. It may be twice, or four times or more. That is, the predetermined number of times k2 is not once but multiple times.

Assume that the error release switch 82f is pressed at time T22 after the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set at time T21. At time T23 after a predetermined time t16 (eg, 2000 ms) has elapsed while the error release switch 82f is being pushed from time T22, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error.

Next, the flow of processing when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set based on the establishment of the second special condition will be described.
As shown in FIG. 14, at time T31, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the transport operation is performed when the transport condition is satisfied. Assume that the position sensor 52bb detects the protrusion 52ba at time T32. That is, it is assumed that the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state at time T32. The state of the screw 52c at this point is the reference state.

Assume that the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state after a time t21 (100 ms as an example) that is shorter than a predetermined time t20 (204 ms as an example) has elapsed from time T32. In other words, it is assumed that the second special condition is met because the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state again before the predetermined time t20 elapses from time T32 when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state. . At time T33 before a predetermined time t20 elapses from time T32, the CPU 82a executes retry control. That is, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the retry operation is performed. Thus, when the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so as to perform the transport operation, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the screw 52c performs the retry operation in response to the establishment of the second special condition. .

At time T33, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a to end the transport operation and start the first retry operation. In this case, the CPU 82a adds 1 to information (hereinafter referred to as a second retry count) that can specify the number of retry operations executed in response to the establishment of the second special condition, and stores the result in the RAM 82c. Note that the retry operation in this case is the same operation as the retry operation described above. That is, from time T33 to time T34, the CPU 82a controls the conveying motor 52a in the order of stop→reverse→stop→forward rotation.

At time T34, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a to start the transport operation following the first retry operation. Assume that the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state at time T35 after the start of the transport operation. It is assumed that the second special condition is established when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state when time t21, which is shorter than the predetermined time t20, has elapsed from time T35. At time T36 before the predetermined time t20 elapses from time T35, the CPU 82a executes the second retry control. That is, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the second retry operation is performed. The CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the same operation as the first retry operation is performed. In this case, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the second retry count and stores it in the RAM 82c.

Thereafter, when the second retry operation is completed at time T37, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a to start the transport operation following the second retry operation. Assume that the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state at time T38 after the start of the transport operation. It is assumed that the second special condition is established when the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state when time t21, which is shorter than the predetermined time t20, has elapsed from time T38. At time T39 before the predetermined time t20 elapses from time T38, the CPU 82a executes the third retry control. That is, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the third retry operation is performed. The CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the same operations as the first retry operation and the second retry operation are performed. In this case, the CPU 82a adds 1 to the second retry count and stores it in the RAM 82c.

Thereafter, when the third retry operation is completed at time T40, the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a to start the transport operation following the third retry operation. Assume that the position detection signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state at time T41 after the start of the transport operation. It is assumed that the second special condition is established when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state when time t21, which is shorter than the predetermined time t20, has elapsed from time T41. In this case, the CPU 82a detects a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error. Specifically, the CPU 82a specifies the number of executions of the retry operation based on the second number of retries stored in the RAM 82c. The CPU 82a detects a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the number of executions of the retry operation is three and the second special condition is satisfied in the transport operation after the third retry operation is performed.

The CPU 82a stops the conveying motor 52a when detecting a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error at a time T42 when a time t21 shorter than a predetermined time t20 has elapsed from the time T41. At time T43 after the stop time t12 has elapsed from time T42, the CPU 82a rotates the conveying motor 52a in reverse. At time T44 when reverse rotation time t13 has elapsed from time T43, the CPU 82a stops the conveying motor 52a. At time T44, the CPU 82a sets a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error.

Here, for example, after the execution of the retry operation, when the predetermined time t20 has passed since the position detection signal transitioned from the off state to the on state during the execution of the transport operation, the CPU 82a initializes the second retry count. At the same time, the transport operation is continued. The CPU 82a does not set the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the second special condition is not established after the execution of the retry operation. Thus, the CPU82a is a case where the retry control of a predetermined number of times k3 (three times as an example) is executed in accordance with the establishment of the second special condition, and when the second special condition is established, the game ball Set the circulation mechanism abnormality error. The predetermined number of times k3 is an example of the second number of times. The predetermined number of times k3 is not limited to three times. It may be twice, or four times or more. That is, the predetermined number of times k3 is not once but multiple times.

Assume that the error release switch 82f is pressed at time T45 after the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set at time T44. At time T46 after a predetermined time t16 has elapsed while the error release switch 82f is being pushed from time T45, the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error.

As described above, the game ball circulation mechanism abnormal error is canceled when the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed for a predetermined time t16 (for example, 2000 ms). That is, the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is canceled when the predetermined time t16 elapses while the error cancellation switch 82f is operated. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error when the predetermined time t16 has passed while the error cancellation signal is in the ON state. When canceling the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error based on the establishment of the first special condition or the second special condition, the CPU 82a initializes the first retry count and the second retry count stored in the RAM 82c. The setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error can be canceled based on the operation of the error cancellation switch 82f without stopping the power supply.

As described above, the first conveying control is executed in the ball extraction state. The second transport control is executed except during the ball extraction state. The retry control is executed both during the ball-draw state and during the ball-draw state. The abnormal error of the game ball circulation mechanism is detected as a confirmation interval during the ball extraction state and the state other than the ball extraction state. As an example, the abnormal error of the game ball circulation mechanism is always detected after the power is turned on until the power is cut off. In other words, the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error can be set during the ball extraction state. The game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error can be set even when the ball is not in the state.

Returning to the description of the frame-side error setting process.
As shown in FIG. 12, when the screw 52c is carrying out the conveying operation, the conveying entrance sensor D28 detects the ON state and the conveying exit sensor D29 is in the OFF state. is maintained for a predetermined time tc (for example, 7500 ms). In such a situation, there is a high possibility that the transport section 52 cannot transport the game ball.

As described above, the game ball that has flowed into the transport section passage 38b from the transport inlet side passage 38a is discharged from the transport outlet side passage 38c when the screw 52c rotates r (eg, 10 revolutions). Therefore, the time until the game ball that has flowed into the transport section passage 38b from the transport entrance side passage 38a is discharged from the transport outlet side passage 38c is the time td (which is obtained by multiplying the specified time t10 (270 ms as an example) by r times. 2700 ms) as an example. The predetermined time tc is longer than the time td.

When the CPU 82a controls the transport motor 52a so that the transport operation is performed, the transport exit sensor D29 does not detect the game ball, and the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball. When a predetermined time tc has passed since then, a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set. In other words, when there is a game ball in the transfer entrance side passage 38a and the transfer operation is being performed, but the game ball is not discharged from the transfer exit side passage 38c even after the predetermined time tc, which is longer than the time td, has passed. , a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set. The predetermined time tc is an example of a third time. The game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is an example of the circulation mechanism path abnormality error. When the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set, the CPU 82a stops the transport motor 52a. That is, the CPU 82a terminates the transport operation.

The game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is canceled when the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed for a predetermined time t16 (eg, 2000 ms). In other words, the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is canceled when the predetermined time t16 has passed while the error cancellation switch 82f is operated. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error when the predetermined time t16 has passed while the error cancellation signal is in the ON state. The setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is not canceled even if the transport exit sensor D29 detects the game ball. The setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is not canceled even if the transfer entrance sensor D28 stops detecting the game ball. The setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error can be canceled based on the operation of the error cancellation switch 82f without stopping the power supply. The setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error can be canceled by operating the same error cancellation switch 82f. The game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state. In other words, the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is not set during the ball extraction state.

The discharge ball path abnormality error is the state in which only the out sensor D30 of the out sensor D30, the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, and the transfer inlet sensor D28 detects the ON state and is maintained for a predetermined time te (5000 ms as an example). is the detection condition.

As described above, the out sensor D30 can detect game balls on the upstream side of the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28. The CPU 82a detects a game ball when the out sensor D30 detects the game ball, and when a predetermined time te has passed since the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 have not detected the game ball, the ball is discharged. Set the path anomaly error. Therefore, in the situation where the discharge ball passage abnormality error is set, there is a high possibility that a ball clog occurs near the out sensor D30 and game balls are not circulating downstream of the out sensor D30. It is an example of the specific condition that the out sensor D30 detects the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 do not detect the game ball. Not limited to this, the specific condition may be satisfied by the fact that the out sensor D30 detects the game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 does not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be established when the out sensor D30 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 does not detect the game ball.

Specifically, when a specific condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a measures the measurement time after the specific condition is satisfied. The CPU 82a sets a discharge ball passage abnormality error when the time measured after the establishment of the specific condition reaches a predetermined time te. The CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the specific condition is no longer satisfied before the time measured after the specific condition is satisfied reaches the predetermined time te. That is, the CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the out-sensor D30 stops detecting the game ball before the measured time after the establishment of the specific condition reaches the predetermined time te. The CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball before the time measured after the establishment of the specific condition reaches the predetermined time te. The CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball before the time measured after the establishment of the specific condition reaches the predetermined time te. The predetermined time te is an example of a specific time.

The discharge ball passage abnormality error is canceled when the error cancellation switch 82f is pressed for a predetermined time tf (for example, 2000 ms). That is, the setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error is canceled when the predetermined time tf has elapsed while the error cancellation switch 82f is operated. The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error when the predetermined time tf has elapsed while the error cancellation signal remains on. The setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error is not canceled even if the specific condition is no longer satisfied. In other words, the setting of the discharge ball path abnormality error is when the out sensor D30 stops detecting the game ball, when the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects the game ball, and when the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball. It is not released in any way. The setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error can be canceled based on the operation of the error cancellation switch 82f without stopping the power supply.

The CPU 82a resets the discharged ball passage abnormality error after the predetermined time te has passed if the specific condition is satisfied even if the setting of the discharged ball passage abnormality error is cancelled. That is, when the CPU 82a cancels the setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error when the specific condition is satisfied, the predetermined time te passes while the specific condition is satisfied even after canceling the setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error. When you do, set the ejection ball passage abnormality error. The discharge ball passage abnormality error is detected as a confirmation interval except during the ball extraction state. That is, the discharge ball passage abnormality error is not set during the ball extraction state.

The detection condition for the circulating ball count error is that the state in which the out sensor D30 and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detect the OFF state is maintained for a predetermined time tg (eg, 30000 ms) in the firing stop state. Although details will be described later, in such a situation, there is a high possibility that the number of game balls circulating inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 is insufficient.

The shooting stop state is a state in which game balls are not shot from the shooting portion 65 . As described above, the CPU 82a identifies that the game ball has been shot from the shooting portion 65 based on the supply exit signal output by the supply exit sensor D23. The CPU 82a measures the time during which the supply outlet signal is not input from the supply outlet sensor D23. The CPU 82a determines that the ejection is stopped when the supply outlet signal is not input from the supply outlet sensor D23 and reaches a predetermined time th (eg, 1000 ms). When the CPU 82a receives the supply exit signal in the firing stop state, the CPU 82a identifies the firing state. In other words, the shooting state is a state in which the game ball is being shot from the shooting portion 65 .

When the out-sensor D30 does not detect the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 does not detect the game ball in the firing stop state, the CPU 82a has passed a predetermined time tg. Set the circulating ball count error. It is an example of the predetermined condition that the out sensor D30 has not detected a game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 has not detected a game ball. Not limited to this, the predetermined condition may be satisfied by the out sensor D30 not detecting a game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 not detecting a game ball.

Specifically, when a predetermined condition is satisfied, the CPU 82a measures the measurement time after the predetermined condition is satisfied. The CPU 82a sets an insufficient number of circulating balls error when the measured time after the predetermined condition is satisfied reaches the predetermined time tg. The CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the predetermined condition is no longer satisfied before the time measured after the predetermined condition is satisfied reaches the predetermined time tg. That is, the CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the out-sensor D30 detects the game ball before the measured time after the predetermined condition is satisfied reaches the predetermined time tg. The CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects a gaming ball before the time measured after the predetermined condition is satisfied reaches the predetermined time tg. The predetermined time tg is an example of special time.

The circulating ball count error is canceled when the firing state is maintained for a predetermined time ti (eg, 20000 ms). The CPU 82a cancels the setting of the insufficient number of circulating balls error when the predetermined time ti has passed without the firing stop state after entering the firing state. The predetermined time ti is an example of a second predetermined time. A situation in which the shooting state is maintained for the predetermined time ti is highly likely that a game is being played. In other words, the setting of the circulating ball count error can be canceled by playing the game.

The circulating ball count error is canceled when the out sensor D30 detects the OFF state and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects the ON state for a predetermined time tj (eg, 2000 ms). and The CPU 82a detects an insufficient number of circulating balls when a predetermined time tj has passed since the out sensor D30 has not detected a game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 has detected a game ball. cancel the setting. The predetermined time tj is an example of a first predetermined time. In a situation where the out sensor D30 does not detect game balls and the clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects game balls, there is a possibility that the number of game balls circulating inside the pachinko game machine 10 has increased. expensive. That is, the setting of the insufficient number of circulating balls error can be canceled by increasing the number of game balls circulating inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The circulating ball count error is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state. That is, the circulating ball count error is not set during the ball extraction state.

The error of excessive number of circulating balls occurs when the out sensor D30 detects the ON state in the firing stop state, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transfer entrance sensor D28 detect the ON state for a predetermined time tk (eg, 30000 ms). ) is maintained over a period of time. Although details will be described later, in such a situation, there is a high possibility that the number of game balls circulating inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 is excessive.

The CPU 82a detects a game ball in the out-sensor D30 and a game ball is detected by the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport inlet sensor D28 in the firing stop state, and a predetermined time tk has passed. If so, set the circulating ball count error. It is an example of the special condition that the out sensor D30 detects the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect the game ball. Not limited to this, the special condition may be established by the out sensor D30 detecting a game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detecting a game ball. The special condition may be established when the out sensor D30 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball.

Specifically, when a special condition is established, the CPU 82a measures the measurement time after the special condition is established. The CPU 82a sets an excessive number of circulating balls error when the measured time after the establishment of the special condition reaches a predetermined time tk. The CPU 82a initializes the measured time when the special condition is no longer satisfied before the time measured after the special condition is satisfied reaches the predetermined time tk. That is, the CPU 82a determines that any one of the out sensor D30, the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, and the transport entrance sensor D28 stops detecting the game ball before the time measured after the special condition is established reaches the predetermined time tk. If so, initialize the measurement time. The predetermined time tk is an example of special time.

The excessive number of circulating balls error occurs when the out sensor D30 detects the OFF state and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transfer entrance sensor D28 detect the ON state for a predetermined time tl (eg, 2000 ms). The cancellation condition is that When the out sensor D30 does not detect the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect the game ball and a predetermined time tl has passed, the CPU 82a Cancel the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error. A situation in which the out sensor D30 does not detect game balls and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect game balls is when the number of game balls circulating inside the pachinko machine 10 is likely to have decreased. In other words, the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error can be canceled by reducing the number of game balls circulating inside the pachinko gaming machine 10 . The error of excessive number of circulating balls is detected as a confirmation interval except during the state of ball extraction. That is, the circulating ball count error is not set during the ball extraction state.

The detection condition for the door open error is detection of the OFF state of either the first door open switch D17 or the second door open switch D18. The CPU 82a sets a door open error when the first door open switch D17 detects that the protection frame 11c is opened. The CPU 82a sets a door open error when the second door open switch D18 detects that the mounting frame 11b is opened.

The door open error is canceled when both the first door open switch D17 and the second door open switch D18 are turned on. When the first door open switch D17 has not detected that the protective frame 11c has been opened and the second door open switch D18 has not detected that the mounting frame 11b has been opened, the CPU 82a Cancel the door open error setting. A door open error is detected as a confirmation interval other than during the ball extraction state. That is, the door open error is not set during the ball extraction condition.

Next, control commands output when an error is set and when the error setting is canceled in the frame-side error setting process will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) outputs a frame error command to the game control board 80 when setting an error or canceling the error setting. The frame error command includes a control command that can identify that an error has been set (hereinafter referred to as a frame error setting command) and a control command that can identify that an error has been canceled (hereinafter referred to as a frame error reset command). command) and . The frame error setting command is also a control command that can specify the type of set error. The frame error clearing command is also a control command that can identify the type of error whose setting has been cleared. The CPU 82a outputs control commands "A0xxH" to "AFxxH" as frame error commands.

A frame error command can be identified as a command related to an error in the frame control board 82 by the upper 4 bits "A" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AF". The frame error command can specify the type of error by the lower four bits "0" to "F" of the upper bytes "A0" to "AF". The frame error command can specify which of error setting and error setting is canceled by the lower byte "xx". For example, "01" is set when an error is set, and "02" is set when the error is cleared.

The CPU 82a outputs a frame error setting command and a frame error cancellation error command to the game control board 80 according to the type of error. As an example, the CPU 82a outputs "A001H" to the game control board 80 as a frame error setting command when an illegal radio wave detection error is set in the frame side error setting process. The CPU 82a outputs "A002H" to the game control board 80 as a frame error cancellation command when canceling the setting of the illegal radio wave detection error in the frame side error setting process. In addition, when the management game machine internal communication error is set, the frame error command is not output to the game control board 80 because the communication between the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80 is not performed normally. The CPU 82a does not output the frame error command to the game control board 80 when the intra-management game machine communication error is set. The CPU 82a may output a frame error command to the game control board 80 when the intra-management game machine communication error is set.

When the frame error setting command is input, the game control board 80 (CPU 80a) stores information stored in the RAM 80c (hereinafter , indicates frame error information). When the CPU 80a inputs the frame error cancellation command, the CPU 80a updates the frame error information stored in the RAM 80c based on the inputted frame error cancellation command. Thereby, the CPU 80 a can identify an error during setting in the frame control board 82 . The CPU 80 a outputs the input frame error setting command and frame error cancellation command to the effect control board 81 .

When the frame error setting command is input, the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) stores information stored in the RAM 81c as information that can identify the error being set in the pachinko game machine 10 based on the input frame error setting command (hereinafter , showing the effect error information) is updated. When the frame error cancellation command is input, the CPU 81a updates the effect error information stored in the RAM 81c based on the input frame error cancellation command. Thereby, the CPU 81a can identify an error during setting in the pachinko gaming machine 10. FIG.

Next, the frame-side error notification processing of the frame-side normal processing will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to execute error notification set in the pachinko gaming machine 10 in the frame side error notification process. The CPU 82a executes notification of the error according to the set error. For example, the CPU 82a executes unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 82a executes game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification according to the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error. The CPU 82a executes the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error notification according to the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error.

As a specific example, when an error is set, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to display an error code, which is an example of information that can identify the error being set. An error code is information specific to an error. The column of "performance display monitor" in the drawing shows an example of an error code displayed as an error notification on the performance display monitor 82d. An example of conditions for ending the error notification is shown in parentheses. As an example, [E10] for illegal radio wave detection error notification, [E15] for game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, [E16] for discharge ball passage abnormality error notification, and [E19] for insufficient number of circulating balls error notification is displayed on the performance display monitor 82d. displayed in

As an example, [E00] is displayed as an error code when the ball is pulled out. Strictly speaking, the missing ball state is not an error, but since it is an event that should be recognized by the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10, etc., it is regarded as one of the errors and is reported. Not limited to this, the error code that can be displayed on the performance display monitor 82d does not have to include the error code that indicates the state of ball extraction.

The CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d to alternately display the error code and the base value (performance information). When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a alternately displays the error code with the highest priority among the set error notifications and the base value. As an example, as shown in the column of "Priority" in the figure, the smaller the number, the higher the priority when multiple types of errors are set.

As an example, when the CPU 82a sets a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error, it alternately displays the error code [E15] of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification and the base value. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not display the error code [E17] for game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error notification. In other words, the notification of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is executed with priority over the notification of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error in the performance display monitor 82d.

The CPU 82a displays an error code when an error is set in the frame control board 82 and the game control board 80, but may be configured not to display the base value. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to switch the error code, the second number of balls under management PB, and the base value to display them on the performance display monitor 82d. In this way, the performance display monitor 82d is a means for displaying base values, and is also used as a means for displaying error codes.

When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to stop displaying the error code indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled. Specifically, when the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the performance display monitor 82d so as to stop displaying the error code of the error for which the setting has been canceled.

In this manner, the performance display monitor 82d notifies the error according to the set error. That is, in the performance display monitor 82d, error notification is started when an error is set, and error notification is terminated when the error setting is canceled. The error code notified by the performance display monitor 82d is information specific to the error. In other words, the reporting modes of a plurality of types of errors that can be reported by the performance display monitor 82d are different.

The CPU 82a may control the second number-of-balls display section 17 so that, when an error is set in the frame control board 82, an error code indicating the set error is displayed. In other words, the error code may be displayed on both the performance display monitor 82d and the second pitch number display section 17. The CPU 82a may control the second number-of-balls display section 17 to alternately display the error code and the second number of managed balls PB. The error code that can be displayed on the second ball number display section 17 may include an error code that indicates the state of missing a ball. The error code that can be displayed on the second ball number display section 17 does not have to include the error code that indicates the state of missing a ball.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may alternately display the error code with the highest priority and the second number of balls under control PB. The CPU 82a may display an error code when an error is set, but may be configured not to display the second number of balls under control PB. Further, the CPU 82a may be configured to cause the second number-of-balls display section 17 to display while switching the error code, the second number of managed balls PB, and the base value. The CPU 82a may control the second number-of-balls display section 17 so that, when the error setting is canceled, the display of the error code indicating the error for which the setting has been canceled is terminated. The second ball number display unit 17 is means for displaying the second number of managed balls PB, and may also be used as means for displaying an error code. The CPU 82a may start the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 82d and the display of the error code on the second ball number display section 17 at the same or substantially the same timing.

In this way, the second ball number display unit 17 may notify the error according to the set error. In the second number-of-balls display unit 17, when an error is set, notification of the set error may be started, and when the error setting is canceled, notification of the canceled error may be terminated. The error code notified by the second ball number display section 17 is information specific to the error. In other words, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be notified by the second ball number display section 17 are different from each other.

When an error is set in the frame control board 82, the CPU 82a may control the notification sound unit 13 to output an error sound as an example of information that can identify the set error. In other words, the CPU 82a may execute voice notification (hereinafter referred to as error voice notification) for notifying the set error.

The voice pattern of the error voice notification has different contents depending on the error, and preferably has contents that can specify the outline of the set error. As an example, the error voice is the voice of a person who reads out a character string "Error code E15 has occurred, please call a staff member" in the case of an abnormal error notification of the game ball circulation mechanism.

When a plurality of types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may execute error voice notification for notifying the error with the highest priority. The configuration is not limited to this, and the CPU 82a may have a configuration in which, when a plurality of types of errors are set, the error voice notification is executed while switching in order. When the error setting is canceled, the CPU 82a controls the notification sound unit 13 so as to end the error sound notification indicating the error for which the setting has been cleared.

In this manner, the notification sound unit 13 may issue an error notification according to the set error. The notification sound unit 13 may start notification of the set error when the error is set, and end notification of the cleared error when the error setting is canceled. The error voice notification given by the notification audio unit 13 differs depending on the error. In other words, the notification modes of a plurality of types of errors that can be notified by the notification audio unit 13 are different.

The effect side error notification process executed by the effect control board 81 (CPU 81a) will be described.
As shown in FIG. 15, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect section constituting the effect device ES so as to execute error notification set in the pachinko game machine 10 in the effect-side error notification process. . For example, the CPU 81a executes unauthorized radio wave detection error notification according to the setting of the unauthorized radio wave detection error. The CPU 81a executes game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification according to the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error. The CPU 81a executes the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error notification according to the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error.

When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a executes error notification with the highest priority. The priority is the same as the error code display on the performance display monitor 82d described above.

As an example, the CPU 81a executes a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and a game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error are set. On the other hand, the CPU 82a does not execute the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error notification. That is, the notification of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is executed with priority over the notification of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error in the effect device ES.

When the CPU 81a specifies that an error has been set based on the performance error information stored in the RAM 81c, it controls the performance display section 19 to execute error notification corresponding to the set error. The column of "effect display section" in the drawing shows an example of information (character string) displayed as an error notification in the effect display section 19. FIG. An example of conditions for ending the error notification is shown in parentheses. As an example, the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is displayed on the effect display unit 19 with an image that can identify that the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, such as a character string "game ball circulation mechanism abnormality". is executed. As an example, the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error notification is an image that can identify that the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set, such as a character string "game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality", on the effect display unit 19. It is executed in a display mode.

The CPU 81a may control the effect display unit 19 to terminate notification of the error whose setting has been canceled when it is specified that the error setting has been canceled based on the effect error information. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, the discharge ball passage abnormality error, the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error, the insufficient number of circulating balls error, the excessive number of circulating balls error, and the door open error. When it is specified, the effect display unit 19 is controlled to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled. The error notification being executed in the effect display section 19 is all terminated when the power is turned off.

When the CPU 81a specifies that an error has been set based on the effect error information, it controls the effect sound section 12 to execute error notification according to the set error. The column of "audio effect part" in FIG. An example of conditions for ending the error notification is shown in parentheses. As an example, the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error notification is a voice that can identify which one of multiple types of errors has been set, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Please call the staff". is output from the effect sound unit 12.

When the CPU 81a determines that the error setting has been canceled based on the effect error information, the CPU 81a may control the sound effect part 12 to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been cancelled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, the discharge ball passage abnormality error, the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error, the insufficient number of circulating balls error, the excessive number of circulating balls error, and the door open error. When it is specified, the effect sound part 12 is controlled to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled.

The error notification being executed by the sound effect unit 12 ends when a predetermined time tm (eg, 30000 ms) has passed since the start of the error notification. That is, the CPU 81a terminates the error notification in the effect sound section 12 when the predetermined time tm has passed since the error notification was started. The error notification being executed by the effect sound unit 12 is all terminated when the power is turned off.

When determining that an error has been set based on the effect error information, the CPU 81a controls the effect light emitting section 14 to perform error notification according to the set error. The column of "effect light emitting section" in the drawing shows an example of a light emission pattern used as an error notification in the effect light emitting section 14. FIG. An example of conditions for ending the error notification is shown in parentheses. As an example, the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error notification is produced by the lighting pattern that can specify which one of a plurality of types of errors is set, such as lighting the light emitting body in green. is executed in a manner of emitting light.

When the CPU 81a determines that the error setting has been canceled based on the effect error information, the CPU 81a may control the effect light emitting unit 14 to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been cancelled. Specifically, the CPU 81a cancels the settings of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error, the discharge ball passage abnormality error, the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error, the insufficient number of circulating balls error, the excessive number of circulating balls error, and the door open error. When it is specified, the effect light emitting unit 14 is controlled to terminate the notification of the error whose setting has been canceled.

The error notification being executed by the effect light emitting unit 14 is terminated when a predetermined time tm has passed since the start of the error notification. That is, the CPU 81a terminates the error notification in the effect light emitting section 14 when the predetermined time tm has passed since the start of the error notification. The error notification being executed in the effect light emitting section 14 is all terminated when the power is turned off.

In this way, in the effect device ES, error notification is executed according to the set error. In the effect device ES, when an error is set, notification of the set error is started. The notification of the error in the effect device ES ends when the error setting is canceled, when the predetermined time tm elapses, or when the power is turned off. In addition, the notification modes of the plurality of types of errors that can be notified by the effect device ES are different from each other.

When the CPU 81a inputs the ball-draw start command, the CPU 81a controls a part or all of the effect section that constitutes the effect device ES, and executes notification of the ball-draw state. As an example, the notification of the ball emptying state is performed by producing a voice that can identify the transition to the ball emptying state, such as the voice of a person who reads out the character string "Ball emptying will start" or "Ball emptying state". 12 is executed. When the CPU 81a inputs the ball removal completion command, the CPU 81a terminates notification of the ball removal state.

The CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 and terminates the notification of the ball-drawn state when a predetermined time tm has passed since the start of the notification of the ball-drawn state. The CPU 81a controls the effect sound section 12 when the power is turned off, and terminates the notification of the state of the ball being pulled out. It should be noted that the CPU 81a does not execute notification of the state of ball extraction even when the power is turned on after the power has been turned off.

As described above, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, when various errors are set, the performance display monitor 82d and the effect device ES are capable of notifying the setting errors. A performance display monitor 82 d is provided on the frame control board 82 . The frame control board 82 is provided at a position that cannot be visually recognized unless the mounting frame 11b is opened. Therefore, for example, the performance display monitor 82d is difficult for a player who plays a game to visually recognize. On the other hand, since the effect device ES can be visually recognized when the pachinko game machine 10 is viewed from the front, it is easy for the player who plays the game to visually recognize it. Therefore, it is difficult for the player to recognize the error notification executed on the performance display monitor 82d. On the other hand, it is easy for the player to visually recognize the notification of the error executed by the effect device ES.

Next, the operation when shooting a game ball will be described.
The shooting and supply of game balls are realized by a combination of control of the supply section 61 by the frame control board 82 (CPU 80a) and control of the shooting section 65 by the shooting control board 83 (shooting control circuit 83a). A series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a shooting sequence) executed by the shooting control circuit 83a to shoot a game ball and processing of the frame control board 82 will be described in detail below.

The operation of the firing control board 83 (the firing control circuit 83a) will be described.
The shooting control circuit 83a repeatedly executes the shooting sequence when the game ball shooting condition is satisfied. The shooting condition of the game ball is established when all the first to fourth conditions are satisfied. The first condition is satisfied by being in a shooting permission state in which shooting of game balls is permitted. The second condition is satisfied by being in a contact detection state in which the touch signal is turned on and contact with the firing operation unit 15 is detected. The third condition is an operation detection state in which it is detected that the operation amount of the firing operation unit 15 (handle lever 15a) exceeds a predetermined amount due to the voltage of the volume signal exceeding the threshold. It is filled. The fourth condition is satisfied by a non-stop state in which an operation to stop the shooting of game balls is not detected because the stop signal is in an off state.

In the firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a prescribed time t31 (37.5ms as an example). When the specified time t31 has passed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 66a according to the firing timing pulse. The firing control circuit 83a sets the firing intensity by referring to the voltage of the volume signal. The holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. The launch control circuit 83a outputs the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 at the timing of outputting the drive current. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a specified time t32 (562.5 ms as an example) elapses after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. As described above, one firing sequence is completed.

The firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not the firing condition is satisfied at the point in time when the specified time t32 has passed after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as the determination time T50). They behave differently. The determination time T50 can also be said to be the time when one firing sequence ends. At determination time T50, if the firing conditions are satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts a new firing sequence. Decision time T50 arrives each time the firing sequence ends. Therefore, the shooting sequence is repeatedly executed when the game ball shooting condition is satisfied. Thereby, the shooting period tp of the game ball is equal to the sum of the prescribed time t31 and the prescribed time t32. As an example, the firing period tp is 600 ms.

On the other hand, when the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T50, the firing control circuit 83a executes the blank firing sequence. In the blank firing sequence, the firing control circuit 83a first waits for a specified time t31. When the specified time t31 has passed, the firing control circuit 83a supplies the driving current to the firing solenoid 66a according to the firing timing pulse. The voltage of the drive current at this time is a voltage corresponding to the voltage of the volume signal held in the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a. Also, the holding circuit of the firing control circuit 83a newly holds the voltage value of the volume signal at this time. The firing control circuit 83a does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82 even if the driving current is supplied to the firing solenoid 66a. The firing control circuit 83a waits until a specified time t32 elapses after outputting the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a. As described above, one blank firing sequence is completed.

The firing control circuit 83a determines whether or not the firing conditions are satisfied at the point in time when the specified time t32 has passed after the drive current is output to the firing solenoid 66a (hereinafter referred to as the determination time T51) as a blank firing sequence. , the subsequent behavior is different. The determination time T51 can also be said to be the time at which one blank firing sequence ends. At determination time T51, if the firing conditions are satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, when the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T51, the firing control circuit 83a executes the second blank firing sequence. In the second blank firing sequence as well, the firing control circuit 83a outputs the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a, but does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board .

The firing control circuit 83a operates differently depending on whether or not the firing conditions are satisfied at the time when the second blank firing sequence is completed (hereinafter referred to as the determination time T52). At determination time T52, if the firing conditions are satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a starts the firing sequence described above. On the other hand, when the firing condition is not satisfied at the determination time T52, the firing control circuit 83a does not execute the blank firing sequence and does not execute the firing sequence. That is, the firing control circuit 83a does not output the drive current to the firing solenoid 66a and does not output the subtraction reference signal to the frame control board 82.

Control of the frame control board 82 (CPU 82a) will be described.
When the subtraction reference signal is turned on, the CPU 82a waits for a specified time t33. The specified time t33 is a time (16 ms as an example) equal to the driving time of the firing solenoid 66a. Next, the CPU 82a supplies a drive current to the supply solenoid 63b to drive the supply solenoid 63b. That is, the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation. When the movable piece 63a performs one supply operation, the leading game ball among the game balls K lined up in the supply entrance side passage 62a is discharged to the supply exit side passage 62b.

As noted above, the subtracted reference signal is output when a firing sequence is performed. The subtraction reference signal is not output even if the blank firing sequence is executed. That is, when the launching unit 65 performs two blank shots due to the failure of the game ball launching condition, the game ball is not supplied to the launching unit 65 . Therefore, in the pachinko game machine 10, it is suppressed that the game ball remains at the hitting position 67 when the shooting condition for the game ball is no longer satisfied. In other words, when the shooting condition is no longer satisfied, the game ball does not exist on the downstream side of the ejection mechanism 63 in principle.

A ball extraction operation in the pachinko game machine 10 will be described.
It is preferable to perform the ball removing operation in the ball removing state. In the state of ball extraction, an error of a type that can be detected as a confirmation interval other than during the state of ball extraction is not detected, the error is not set, and the error is not notified. In other words, the ball-unloaded state can be said to be a state in which the various sensors used for error detection are disabled or a state in which the detection results of the various sensors are not accepted except during the ball-unloaded state.

As described above, the collecting mechanism 30 is configured by combining downwardly extending passages or downwardly sloping passages. In other words, the winning path 31, the non-winning path 32, the foul path 33, the merging path 35, and the circulation path 37 are all paths that extend downward or slope downward. A conveying entrance side passage 38a continuing to the distribution passage 37 is a passage extending downward or a passage sloping downward. Therefore, when a game ball is received from the game board 20 into one of the receiving openings 30a to 30c, it can flow down the passage due to the action of gravity and finally reach the transport section 52. A portion where a game ball can be detected by the transport inlet sensor D28 and the first ball extracting portion 71 are arranged in this order upstream of the transport portion 52 . Therefore, the game ball flows through the part that can be detected by the transport entrance sensor D28 and the first ball extraction part 71 in this order.

Suppose that the lever (not shown) of the first ball extracting portion 71 is operated to displace the opening/closing piece 71c to the open position in the ball extracting state. The ball extraction hole 71b is opened in the first connecting portion 71a. As a result, the game ball in the first connection portion 71a is discharged out of the machine through the ball extraction hole 71b. In addition, in the first ball extraction portion 71, as the game balls are sequentially discharged from the ball extraction hole 71b to the outside of the machine, the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, and 37 constituting the recovery mechanism 30 are Move forward toward the transport section 52 . Finally, all the game balls in the passages 31 to 33, 35, 37 are discharged out of the machine through the open ball extraction hole 71b.

It is also assumed that the lever (not shown) of the second ball extractor 72 is operated to displace the opening/closing piece 72c to the open position. The ball extraction hole 72b is opened in the second connecting portion 72a. As a result, the game ball in the second connection portion 72a is discharged to the ball extraction passage 73 from the ball extraction hole 72b. In addition, in the second connection portion 72a, as the game balls are sequentially discharged from the ball extraction hole 72b to the ball extraction passage 73, the game balls in the supply inlet side passage 62a are directed toward the second connection portion 72a. Advance. In addition, in the ball extraction state, the conveying section 52 is driven. In other words, the game balls inside the transport section 52 are discharged to the supply entrance side passage 62a, and further advance toward the second connection section 72a. Then, the game ball that has reached the second connection portion 72a flows into the ball extraction passage 73 from the ball extraction hole 72b.

The ball extraction passage 73 is configured by combining a passage extending downward or a passage sloping downward. Therefore, when the game ball flows into the ball extraction passage 73 , it flows through the ball extraction passage 73 and reaches the first ball extraction portion 71 . The game ball is ejected out of the machine from the ball extraction hole 71b if the ball extraction hole 71b is in an open state. Finally, the game balls in the circulation mechanism 50 and the shooting mechanism 60 are discharged out of the machine from the second connection portion 72a via the ball extraction passage 73 and the first ball extraction portion 71.

As described above, when the shooting conditions for the game ball are no longer satisfied, the idle-hit sequence is executed. The game ball does not remain at the hitting position 67 by executing the blank hitting sequence. That is, after the power is turned on, the game ball does not exist on the downstream side of the ejecting mechanism 63 in the situation where the ball extraction state is started. Therefore, when ball extraction is executed according to the procedure described above, all game balls enclosed in the pachinko gaming machine 10 can be discharged to the outside of the machine. This does not require the action of the launcher 65 to launch the game ball. Therefore, the game balls can be ejected from the circulation mechanism 29 formed in the frame 11 even when the game board 20 is not attached to the frame 11 .

Here, the shooting permission state is a state in which the management unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are normally connected, and a specific error (eg, door open error) has not occurred in the frame control board 82 . The firing prohibited state is caused by one or more of the following: that the management unit 100 and the pachinko gaming machine 10 are not properly connected; and that a specific error is set in the frame control board 82. state. It should be noted that even if the same door open error occurs, if the second door open signal is input, it does not correspond to the above-mentioned specific error, and depending on the occurrence, the firing prohibition state may not occur.

A permit-to-fire condition can occur even in a ball-out condition if the above necessary conditions are met. That is, even if the ball is pulled out, the shooting condition for the game ball can be satisfied. Therefore, even if the game ball remains at the hitting position 67, it can be shot to the game area 20a by operating the shooting operation section 15. FIG. The game balls shot to the game area 20a are discharged out of the machine via the collection mechanism 30. - 特許庁It should be noted that, when the communication error within the management game machine is set, the configuration may be such that the shooting prohibited state is set instead of the shooting permitted state. For example, when the game board 20 is not assembled to the frame 11, it may be in a shooting prohibition state and the game ball cannot be shot.

The administrator or the like of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can perform maintenance such as replacement work of the maintenance unit 55 when ball extraction is completed in the ball extraction state. After the maintenance work is completed, the manager or the like should allow the game balls to flow into the distribution mechanism 29 from the receiving ports 30a to 30c. Then, the pachinko game machine 10 can be activated by turning off the power of the pachinko game machine 10 and then turning it on again.

Next, the prescribed number P0, which is the number of game balls to be circulated inside the pachinko gaming machine 10, will be described.
For example, an administrator or the like of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can cause game balls to flow into the circulation mechanism 29 from the receiving ports 30a to 30c after completion of maintenance work. A manager or the like of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can allow any number of game balls to flow into the distribution mechanism 29 . As a result, the number of game balls circulated inside the pachinko game machine 10 can be increased. Further, as described above, the administrator of the pachinko gaming machine 10 can extract game balls from the circulation mechanism 29 by using the ball extraction state.

As described above, the pachinko gaming machine 10 is configured to be able to shoot game balls at the shooting cycle tp. Therefore, if the average time required for the game ball to return to the launching unit 65 after being launched from the launching unit 65 is set to the average time to, the game ball launched first returns to the launching unit 65. The number N of game balls to be shot is "average time to/shooting period tp/piece". As an example, when the firing cycle tp=600 ms and the average time to=12000 ms, the number of game balls N is 20.

Here, the average time to is the average time required for the game ball shot from the shooting section 65 to return to the shooting section 65 again. In other words, the time required for the game ball shot from the shooting part 65 to return to the shooting part 65 may differ for each shot game ball. If there is no game ball in the shooting part 65, the game ball cannot be shot and the game cannot be continued. Therefore, even in a situation where the time required for the game ball shot from the shooting part 65 to return to the shooting part 65 again becomes longer than the average time to, the situation where there is no game ball in the shooting part 65 does not occur. Thus, "N+n (for example, 20+5)" is defined as the first number N1 of balls to be circulated at least inside the machine.

The pachinko game machine 10 transports game balls when the transport entrance signal is on and the transport exit signal is off. For this reason, in the pachinko gaming machine 10, the game balls can be retained in order from the side closer to the launching portion 65.例文帳に追加When the shooting is stopped, new game balls do not flow into the game area 20a. In addition, the game balls that have flowed into the game area 20a before the firing stop state are reached are sequentially discharged from the game area 20a. That is, all the game balls inside the machine finally return to the discharge ball passage 40 side.

The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided at a position where it can detect the first circulating ball number N1 game balls in a state where the game balls are in a state in which the shooting is stopped and the game balls are staying in order from the side closer to the shooting part 65. be done. In other words, a situation in which no game balls are detected by the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the out sensor D30 is a situation in which the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is less than the first number of circulating balls N1. In other words, the situation in which the circulating ball number error is set is a situation in which the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is less than the first circulating ball number N1. In such a situation, depending on the behavior of the game ball, a situation may occur in which there is no game ball in the shooting portion 65, and the game may not be continued continuously.

The out sensor D30 is provided at a position that can detect game balls on the upstream side of the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 in order to detect only out balls. The ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 is provided at a position where game balls can be detected on the upstream side of the transport inlet sensor D28. The out-sensor D30 has a game ball staying in order from the side closer to the shooting part 65, and if the game ball stays up to the out-sensor D30, there is a possibility that the out-ball cannot be detected properly.

In the firing stop state, the game balls are retained in order from the side closer to the firing part 65, and the number of game balls retained up to the out sensor D30 is the second circulation in which the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is excessive. It is defined as the number of balls N2. As an example, N2 is 35 pieces. In other words, the situation in which game balls are detected by the transfer entrance sensor D28, the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and the out sensor D30 is the situation in which the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is equal to or greater than the second number of circulating balls N2. be. In other words, the situation in which the circulating ball number error is set is the situation where the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is equal to or greater than the second circulating ball number N2. As an example, the prescribed number P0 may be set to a number that exceeds the first circulating ball number N1 and does not exceed the second circulating ball number N2. As an example, the specified number P0 is 30.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the pachinko game machine 10, for example, when there is some kind of abnormality in the operation of the screw 52c or the transport motor 52a, such as failure of the screw 52c or the transport motor 52a, a retry operation is performed, and the retry operation is performed a predetermined number of times. A game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set when the abnormality is not resolved even if it is performed. As a result, when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, it is possible to make the player understand that an abnormality that cannot be resolved by a retry operation has occurred. Therefore, it is easy to take appropriate measures. Furthermore, the pachinko game machine 10 sets a game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error not only based on the operation results of the screw 52c and the conveying motor 52a but also according to the state of detection of game balls in the conveying passage 38. Thereby, it is possible to easily identify whether or not the game ball is normally transported. With such a configuration, according to the present embodiment, whether or not the circulation mechanism 50 is operating normally, and whether or not the game balls are being transported normally, can be easily identified, thereby diagnosing the cause of the error. can be made easier to identify. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(2) The game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error are related to the same circulation mechanism 50 although the set causes are different. According to this embodiment, the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error can be canceled by operating the same error cancellation switch 82f. Therefore, the manager of the gaming machine or the like can eliminate the causes of the two errors by repairing the circulation mechanism 50, etc., and can use the same error canceling switch 82f as means for canceling the error settings. setting can be canceled, and convenience can be improved.

(3) During the ball extraction state, for example, it is conceivable to discharge the game balls conveyed in the circulation mechanism 50 to the outside of the machine (so-called ball extraction work). In such a case, if the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set even though the game balls are transported normally, the administrator who performs the ball removal work will feel annoyed. . Here, the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error means that there is an abnormality in the circulation mechanism 50, and there is a possibility that the game balls cannot be discharged to the outside of the machine while the balls are being pulled out. According to this embodiment, while the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is not set during the ball extraction state, the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set. As a result, it is possible to facilitate the work of ejecting the game balls inside the machine to the outside of the machine during the ball extraction state. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(4) In the pachinko game machine 10, there is a possibility that a retry operation is performed by the screw 52c and the abnormality of the circulation mechanism 50 is resolved. Since the retry operation is performed multiple times before the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, when the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, for example, repair work etc. It is possible to make it easy to make them understand that there is a high necessity to do this. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(5) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, game balls discharged from the gaming area 20a (that is, out balls) circulate through the discharged ball passage 40 and are conveyed to the shooting section 65 by the conveying section 52. of circular paths can be configured. The game ball discharged from the game area 20a flows through the discharged ball passage 40, is detected by the out sensor D30, and is detected by the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27. With such a configuration, when a predetermined time has passed since the out sensor D30 has detected a game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 has not detected a game ball, the game area 20a It is conceivable that the game balls ejected from the outlet stay around the out sensor D30 and are not distributed to the transport section 52.例文帳に追加Therefore, it is conceivable that the game ball is not transported to the shooting unit 65 and the game cannot be played. In such a situation, in the present embodiment, since the discharge ball passage abnormality error is set, the situation in which the game ball is not conveyed to the launching portion 65 is resolved by taking measures in the vicinity of the out sensor D30. easy to do Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(6) A game ball ejected from the game area 20a circulates through the ejected ball passage 40, is detected by the out sensor D30, is detected by the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, is further circulated, and is transported. It is detected by the entrance sensor D28. With such a configuration, it is possible to identify whether the game ball discharged from the game area 20a has reached the transport section 52 after passing through the discharge ball passage 40.例文帳に追加According to this embodiment, the condition for setting the discharge ball path abnormality error includes that the transport entrance sensor D28 does not detect the game ball, so the game ball does not flow to the transport unit 52. can be determined more reliably. Therefore, it is easy to take appropriate measures.

(7) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, a specific condition is established depending on the detection states of the out sensor D30, the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and the transfer entrance sensor D28, and a discharge ball path abnormality error can be set. When the detection state of any one of these three detection units changes, the specific condition is no longer satisfied and the ejection ball passage abnormality error is not set. Then, when the specific condition is no longer satisfied, the measurement time after the specific condition is satisfied is initialized. Therefore, in a situation where the game ball discharged from the game area 20a stays around the out sensor D30 and is not distributed to the transport section 52, it is possible to easily set the discharge ball path abnormality error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(8) In the pachinko machine 10, it is necessary to operate the error canceling switch 82f for a predetermined time tf in order to cancel the setting of the discharge ball path abnormality error. can be made Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(9) The game ball discharged from the game area 20a (that is, the out ball) flows through the discharged ball passage 40, is transported to the shooting part 65 by the transport part 52, and is directed from the shooting part 65 to the game area 20a. fired. Thereby, a game environment is provided as the pachinko game machine 10 of circulation type. When the shooting is stopped, no new game balls flow into the game area 20a. In addition, the game balls that have flowed into the game area 20a before the firing stop state are reached are sequentially discharged from the game area 20a. That is, all the game balls inside the machine finally return to the discharge ball passage 40 side. According to the present embodiment, in such a firing stop state, when a predetermined time elapses while the out sensor D30 and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 do not detect the game ball, an error of insufficient number of circulating balls occurs. to be set. That is, the circulating ball shortage error is set as a situation in which the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 cannot detect the game balls even though all the game balls inside the machine have returned to the discharge ball passage 40 side. In other words, it can be said that the circulating ball shortage error is a state with a high possibility that the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is insufficient. Therefore, it is easy to take appropriate measures.

(10) A game ball ejected from the game area 20a circulates through the ejected ball passage 40, is detected by the out sensor D30, is detected by the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, is further circulated, and is transported. It is detected by the entrance sensor D28. With such a configuration, the flow of the game ball from being discharged from the game area 20a to reaching the transport section 52 can be properly grasped.

(11) The setting of the circulating ball count error can be canceled when, for example, the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detects game balls due to an increase in the number of game balls inside the machine. In other words, the circulating ball count error is canceled by eliminating the cause of the setting. Therefore, by increasing the number of game balls until the setting of the circulating ball number insufficient error is canceled, the number of game balls inside the machine can be easily adjusted to an appropriate number. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(12) The setting of the circulating ball count error is canceled when a game is started by a player or the like. Here, for example, after the setting of the circulating ball count error is canceled, the circulating ball count error may be set when a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the player finished playing the game. As a result, it is possible to make it easier for the manager of the gaming machine to recognize that ``the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is insufficient'', while preventing the players from hindering the game. . Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(13) According to the present embodiment, when a predetermined period of time elapses while the out-sensor D30 and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detect game balls in the firing stop state, an excessive number of circulating balls error occurs. to be set. In other words, the excessive number of circulating balls error is set as a situation in which the out sensor D30 and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detect game balls in a state in which all the game balls inside the machine have returned to the discharge ball passage 40 side. In other words, when the circulating ball excess error is set, the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is excessive, such that the game balls accumulated in the discharge ball passage 40 reach the detection position by the out sensor D30. It can be said that the possibility is high. Therefore, it is easy to take appropriate measures.

(14) The game ball discharged from the game area 20a circulates through the discharged ball passage 40, is detected by the out sensor D30, is detected by the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, and further circulates. When it is received by the transport section 52, it is detected by the transport entrance sensor D28. Since the circulating ball number error includes that game balls are detected by the transport entrance sensor D28, the condition is that the game balls are stored without gaps between the out sensor D30 and the transport unit 52. be easily set to In other words, it is possible to more reliably specify that the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is large. Therefore, it is easy to take appropriate measures.

(15) The setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error can be canceled when the out-sensor D30 is in a state where the game balls are not detected. In other words, the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error is canceled by, for example, reducing the number of game balls inside the machine and eliminating the set cause. Therefore, by reducing the number of game balls until the setting of the excessive number of circulating balls error is canceled, the number of game balls inside the machine can be easily adjusted to an appropriate number. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(16) In the pachinko machine 10, it is necessary to operate the error release switch 82f for a predetermined time t16 in order to cancel the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and the setting of the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error. , can be released by a person who understands the release method. Therefore, appropriate measures can be taken.

(17) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can perform notification according to the priority of errors to be treated. That is, if the circulation mechanism 50 is malfunctioning as the cause of the inability to transport the game balls normally, it is difficult to transport the game balls normally unless the malfunction of the circulation mechanism 50 is eliminated. That is, unless the cause of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is eliminated, it is difficult to eliminate the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error. The notification of the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is executed with priority over the notification of the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error. For this reason, it is possible to facilitate the understanding that the abnormal error of the game ball circulation mechanism should be eliminated first. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(18) The setting of the discharge ball passage abnormality error is not canceled even if the specific condition is no longer satisfied. Therefore, it is possible to grasp that the discharge ball path abnormality error has been set even after the game balls stop staying around the out sensor D30, for example. Therefore, appropriate treatment can be facilitated.

(19) In the pachinko gaming machine 10, even if the setting of the ball path abnormality error is cancelled, if the cause of the setting of the ball path abnormality error is not resolved, the ball path abnormality error is set again. Abnormal error is set. Therefore, it is possible to prompt the manager of the gaming machine or the like to take appropriate measures in response to the error.

(20) A game ball ejected from the game area 20a circulates through the ejected ball passage 40, is detected by the out sensor D30, is detected by the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, is further circulated, and is transported. It is detected by the entrance sensor D28. With such a configuration, it is possible to easily grasp the flow of game balls from being discharged from the game area 20a to the conveying section 52, and to easily specify whether or not the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is small. can do. Therefore, it is easy to take appropriate measures.

(21) In a situation where the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 does not detect a game ball, when the out-sensor D30 does not detect a game ball, an insufficient number of circulating balls error may be set, while the out-sensor D30 detects a game ball. When doing so, an ejection ball path anomaly error can be set. Therefore, even if the same ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 does not detect a game ball, appropriate processing can be performed depending on the occurring event.

(22) It is necessary to operate the error cancellation switch 82f to cancel the setting of the ejection ball passage abnormality error. On the other hand, the setting of the circulating ball number too few error can be canceled when the predetermined condition is no longer satisfied without operating the error cancellation switch 82f. As described above, even if the error is set according to the detection states of the out sensor D30 and the jammed ball monitoring sensor D27, the cancellation method differs depending on whether or not the game can be played. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform measures according to the situation.

(23) According to this, the transport condition includes that the game ball is detected by the transport entrance sensor D28. In other words, the transport of the game ball is performed on the condition that the game ball flowing down the discharge ball passage 40 reaches a position where the transport unit 52 can receive it. On the other hand, the special condition for setting the excessive number of circulating balls error includes that the transport inlet sensor D28 detects game balls. Therefore, on the premise that the game balls are stored without gaps between the out-sensor D30 and the conveying section 52, it becomes easy to set the circulating ball excess error. In other words, it is possible to more reliably identify that there are an excessive number of game balls circulating inside the machine.

(24) The pachinko gaming machine 10 can set different errors depending on the detection states of the out sensor D30 and the jammed ball monitoring sensor D27. This makes it possible to set a plurality of types of errors while suppressing complication of the configuration, compared to a configuration in which each dedicated detection unit is provided. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(25) In the pachinko game machine 10, the circulation mechanism 50 includes a screw 52c and a transport motor 52a. For example, when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set and a game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error is set, the game balls may It is possible that it has not been transported. For example, when the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is not set and the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set, the transport unit 52 can perform the transport operation normally, but the transport unit 52 It is conceivable that the game ball is not transported due to some influence such as there being something that prevents the ball from entering. For example, when the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set and the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is not set, the game balls are conveyed although the conveying unit 52 cannot normally carry out the conveying operation. It is conceivable that there are In addition, for example, when the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, it is conceivable that the position sensor 52bb is malfunctioning or erroneously detected. For example, when the game ball circulation mechanism path abnormality error is set, it is conceivable that the transport entrance sensor D28 or the transport exit sensor D29 is malfunctioning or erroneously detected. In this way, it is possible to easily identify the cause of the error according to the set error. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(26) When the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is insufficient, within the time it takes for the game balls shot from the shooting section 65 to return to the shooting section 65, It can be assumed that the game balls in the area will run out. In other words, there is a period during which game balls cannot be shot and games cannot be played. In this embodiment, since the circulating ball number error is set to be insufficient, a game environment in which the game can be played normally can be provided by taking measures to increase the number of game balls circulating inside the machine. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

(27) Conditions under which the circulating ball number error is set include that the out sensor D30 does not detect the game ball. As a result, for example, it is possible to suppress the setting of an insufficient number of circulating balls error due to the game balls not reaching the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 due to the game balls staying around the out sensor D30. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to more reliably identify that the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is small.

(28) If the number of game balls circulating inside the machine is excessive, it is assumed that out-ball detection by the out-ball sensor D30 will not be performed properly, or that balls will be jammed in unintended locations. can. In such a situation, there is a possibility that a normal game cannot be played. Also, there is a possibility that an act such as adding game balls with illegal intentions is being carried out. In this embodiment, since the error of excessive number of circulating balls is set, by taking measures to reduce the number of game balls circulating inside the machine, it is possible to provide a game environment in which the game can be played normally. Therefore, it is easy to take measures according to the error.

The embodiment described above can be implemented with the following modifications. It should be noted that the above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a technically consistent range.

・When the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error is set, the number of times the retry control is executed according to the establishment of the first special condition and the number of times the retry control is executed according to the establishment of the second special condition , the same number of times, but not limited to this. The first number of times (predetermined number of times k2) and the second number of times (predetermined number of times k3) may be different numbers. As an example, the first number of times may be greater or less than the second number of times.

Out of the out sensor D30, ball clogging monitoring sensor D27, and transport entrance sensor D28, only the out sensor D30 detects the on state of the discharge ball passage abnormality error, and the state is maintained for a predetermined time te (5000 ms as an example). However, the detection condition is not limited to this. In addition to or instead of this, the discharge ball path abnormality error is a state in which only the foul sensor D21 among the foul sensor D21, the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, and the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the ON state for a predetermined time te. It is good also considering having maintained as a detection condition. That is, the specific condition may be satisfied by the fact that the foul sensor D21 has detected the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 have not detected the game ball. The specific condition may be established when the foul sensor D21 detects the game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 does not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be satisfied when the foul sensor D21 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 does not detect the game ball.

In addition, the discharge ball path abnormality error is a state in which either the winning path count sensor D25 or the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects an ON state, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect an OFF state. The detection condition may be that the state is maintained for a predetermined time te. In other words, the specific condition may be established when the winning path count sensor D25 detects the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 do not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be established when the winning path count sensor D25 detects the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 does not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be satisfied when the winning path count sensor D25 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 does not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be established when the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 do not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be established when the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects the game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 does not detect the game ball. The specific condition may be established when the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 does not detect the game ball.

・The detection condition for the circulating ball count error is that the state in which the out sensor D30 and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 detect the OFF state is maintained for a predetermined time tg (eg, 30000 ms) while the firing is stopped. , but not limited to this. In addition to or instead of this, the circulating ball count error is a detection condition that the out sensor D30, the foul sensor D21, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 are kept in the OFF state for a predetermined time tg. may be That is, the predetermined condition may be satisfied by the fact that the out sensor D30 and the foul sensor D21 do not detect the game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 does not detect the game ball. Not limited to this, the predetermined condition is established when the out sensor D30 and the foul sensor D21 do not detect the game ball, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 do not detect the game ball. may

In addition, the circulating ball count error is that the state in which the winning path count sensor D25, the non-winning path count sensor D26, and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detect the OFF state is maintained for a predetermined time tg in the firing stop state. may be used as the detection condition. In other words, the predetermined condition may be satisfied when the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26 do not detect any game balls and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 does not detect any game balls. . Not limited to this, the predetermined conditions are that the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26 have not detected the game ball, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 have detected the game ball. It may be established by not

・The error of excessive number of circulating balls occurs when the out sensor D30 detects the ON state in the firing stop state, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transfer entrance sensor D28 detect the ON state for a predetermined time tk (for example, 30,000 ms), the detection condition is not limited to this. In addition to or instead of this, the excessive number of circulating balls error occurs when the foul sensor D21 detects the ON state, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transfer entrance sensor D28 detect the ON state for a predetermined time tk. It is good also as a detection condition that it was maintained over. In other words, the special condition may be established when the foul sensor D21 detects the game ball and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect the game ball. The special condition may be established when the foul sensor D21 detects a game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball. The special condition may be established when the foul sensor D21 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball.

In addition, an excessive number of circulating balls error is a state in which either the winning path count sensor D25 or the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects an ON state, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect an ON state. is maintained for a predetermined time tk. That is, the special conditions are that either the winning path count sensor D25 or the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects a game ball, and the ball clogging monitoring sensor D27 and the transport entrance sensor D28 detect a game ball. It may be established by The special condition may be established when either the winning path count sensor D25 or the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects a game ball and the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27 detects a game ball. . The special condition may be established when either the winning path count sensor D25 or the non-winning path count sensor D26 detects the game ball and the transport entrance sensor D28 detects the game ball.

- When a plurality of types of errors are set, the CPU 82a may cause the performance display monitor 82d to perform a plurality of error notifications. As an example, when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and a game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error are set, the performance display monitor 82d alternately reports the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error. may be executed. In this case, on the performance display monitor 82d, the error code [E15] of game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification may be displayed for a longer time than the error code [E17] of game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error notification. In other words, when a plurality of error notifications are to be executed simultaneously, the execution time of the error notification with the higher priority may be lengthened. Therefore, since an error with a higher priority is more likely to be noticed, it can be said that the notification of an error with a higher priority is preferentially executed.

- When multiple types of errors are set, the CPU 81a may cause the effect display section 19 to perform multiple error notifications. As an example, when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and a game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error are set, the effect display unit 19 alternately displays the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification and the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error notification. may be executed. In this case, in the effect display section 19, the display time of the character string "game ball circulation mechanism abnormality" may be longer than the character string "game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality". In other words, when a plurality of error notifications are to be executed simultaneously, the execution time of the error notification with the higher priority may be lengthened. For this reason, an error with a higher priority has higher visibility and is easily noticed by an administrator or the like, so it can be said that the notification of an error with a higher priority is preferentially executed.

As an example, when a game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error and a game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error are set, the effect display unit 19 simultaneously executes the game ball circulation mechanism abnormality error notification and the game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality error notification. may be In this case, in the image display area 19a of the effect display section 19, the area where the character string "game ball circulation mechanism abnormality" is displayed is wider than the area where the character string "game ball circulation mechanism passage abnormality" is displayed. may In other words, when a plurality of error notifications are to be executed at the same time, the display area of the error notification with the higher priority may be widened. Therefore, since an error with a higher priority is more likely to be noticed, it can be said that the notification of an error with a higher priority is preferentially executed.

- The number of radio wave sensors D16 provided on the mounting frame 11b may be one or plural. The radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined influence on detection by the out sensor D30. The radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that can have a predetermined effect on detection by the jammed ball monitoring sensor D27. The radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the transport entrance sensor D28. The radio wave sensor D16 may be capable of detecting radio waves that may have a predetermined effect on detection by the transport exit sensor D29. As an example, the radio wave sensor D16 may be provided adjacent to or in close proximity to the out sensor D30, ball jam monitoring sensor D27, transport entrance sensor D28, or transport exit sensor D29. That is, the radio wave sensor D16 may be provided in the vicinity of the out sensor D30, the clogged ball monitoring sensor D27, the transport entrance sensor D28, or the transport exit sensor D29.

- In the effect device ES, the situation notification regarding the ball-draw state may be executed in response to the end of the ball-draw state. As an example, when the ball drawn state is canceled by turning on the power again, the effect device ES may be configured to execute the ball drawn state end notification. The notification of the end of the ball-drawn state may be executed in such a manner that a sound capable of specifying the end of the ball-drawn state is output from the effect sound section 12 . As an example, the notification of the end of the ball-drawn state may be executed in such a manner that the effect light-emitting section 14 emits light in a light emission pattern dedicated to the notification of the end of the ball-drawn state. As an example, the notification of the end of the ball-draw state displays an image that can identify the end of the ball-draw state, such as a character string such as "ball has been pulled out" or "ball has been pulled out", on the effect display section 19. It may be executed in a manner to do. In this way, the effect device ES notifies the status of the ball-drawn state in response to at least one of the start of the ball-drawn state, the ball-drawn state, and the end of the ball-drawn state. may be performed.

The start timing of the error notification on the performance display monitor 82d and the error notification on the second ball number display section 17 may be different. For example, the second number-of-balls display unit 17 may be configured to start error notification earlier than the performance display monitor 82d. According to this configuration, it is possible to make the player or the like quickly grasp the error state on the front side of the machine. For example, the performance display monitor 82 d may be configured to start error notification earlier than the second pitch number display section 17 . According to this configuration, it is possible for the administrator to grasp the error state before the player or the like who visually recognizes the machine surface side, such as when the administrator is carrying out maintenance by releasing the loading frame 11b.

- The timing of starting the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be the same or substantially the same timing as the timing of starting the error notification in the effect device ES. Also, the timing of starting the display of the error code on the performance display monitor 82d may be earlier than the timing of starting the error notification in the effect device ES.

The manner in which an error is reported in the effect sound section 12 may be different depending on the error, and may be a dedicated sound.
The error reporting mode executed by the effect light emitting unit 14 may be different depending on the error, or may be a dedicated light emitting pattern.

The timing at which the error notification in the effect sound section 12 ends may be different from the timing at which the error notification in the effect light emitting section 14 ends. As an example, the timing at which the error notification in the effect sound unit 12 ends may be earlier than the timing at which the error notification in the effect light emitting unit 14 ends. For example, the CPU 81a may end the error notification in the effect light emitting unit 14 when a predetermined time tn (eg, 10000 ms) has elapsed after specifying that the error setting has been cancelled. For example, the CPU 81a may end the error notification in the effect light emitting section 14 when a predetermined time tm has elapsed since the error notification was started and a predetermined time tn has elapsed.

- The CPU 80a may output a communication line disconnection error command to the frame control board 82 when the communication line disconnection error is set. When the communication line disconnection error command is input, the CPU 82a may cause the performance display monitor 82d to display an error code that can identify that the communication line disconnection error command has been set.

・Out ball detection may be performed by the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26 instead of the detection by the out sensor D30. The number of out balls may be the sum of the number detected by the winning path count sensor D25 and the number detected by the non-winning path count sensor D26. In this case, the out sensor D30 may or may not be provided.

- The discharged game ball may be detected only by the out sensor D30 without providing the winning path count sensor D25 and the non-winning path count sensor D26.
· The out sensor D30 may be provided on the game board 20 or may be provided on the frame 11 .

- The CPU 82a or CPU 80a may detect an error even during the ball extraction state, and may execute an error notification when an error is set. The error notification in this case may be executed in a manner different from that when an error is set in a state other than the state of ball extraction. For example, the error notification may be performed by a notification unit different from the notification unit that performs the error notification when an error is set in a state other than the ball extraction state. In addition, when executing error notification when an error is set in a state other than the state of ball extraction, a plurality of notification units are used, but when an error is set in the state of ball extraction, the plurality of notification units The error notification may be performed by some of the notification units.

- You may change the structure of the position detection mechanism 52b. For example, the third gear 52dc may have a protrusion 52bc that protrudes in the rotation axis direction. The position sensor 52bb may output a position detection signal when detecting the protrusion 52bc. The position detection signal may be turned on when the projection 52bc is detected, and turned off when it is not detected.

- In the position detection mechanism 52b, although the position sensor 52bb was comprised so that the protrusion part 52ba might be detected, it does not restrict to this. As an example, the second gear 52db has an annular projection that protrudes in the direction of the rotation axis, and the annular projection has a cutout portion that is partially cut out. The position sensor 52bb may be configured to detect the notch. In this case, the position detection signal may be turned on when the notch is detected and turned off when not detected, or vice versa.

- Although the pachinko game machine 10 defined the rotational position of the screw 52c when the position detection signal transitions from the off state to the on state as the original position of the screw 52c, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as in the modification above, when the position sensor 52bb is used to detect the notch, the rotational position of the screw 52c when the position detection signal transitions from the ON state to the OFF state is It may be defined as the original position.

When the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied to the launching unit 65 based on the supply entrance signal output by the supply entrance sensor D22 instead of the supply exit sensor D23, the CPU 82a determines the second number of balls under control PB. You can subtract. In other words, the CPU 82a may subtract the second managed ball number PB when detecting that a game ball has been shot toward the game area 20a in response to detection by the supply entrance sensor D22. As an example, the CPU 82a detects that one game ball has been supplied when the supply entrance signal transitions from the OFF state to the ON state to the OFF state.

- Although the firing control circuit 83a sometimes executes the blank firing sequence when the firing conditions are not met, this is not the only option. If the firing conditions are not satisfied, the firing control circuit 83a does not have to execute the blank firing sequence.

The pachinko gaming machine 10 has a specification that provides a high probability state until the next big win game, a specification that provides a high probability state until the falling lottery is won (so-called falling machine), or until the specified number of variable games are completed. A specification that gives a high probability state (so-called ST machine) can be adopted. The pachinko game machine 10 can adopt a specification (so-called V probability changer) that provides a high probability state on condition that the game ball passes through a specific area. The pachinko game machine 10 may have a specification in which the specification of the falling machine and the specification of the V-variable machine are mixed.

- As a winning lottery for special symbols, in addition to a big winning lottery, a small winning lottery may be performed. When a small win is won in a winning lottery, a small winning game (winning game) is provided after the special game is finished. In this embodiment, the number of times (frequency) to win a small hit per unit time (frequency), or a small win game per unit time is given compared to the normal game state (for example, low probability low ball entry rate state) It may be configured to be controllable to a state (so-called small hit RUSH) in which the number of times (frequency) is improved.

- The pachinko machine 10 may adopt a specification classified into the second type, which is also called "feather type" or "airplane type". In this type of pachinko machine, when a game ball enters the starting hole, the opening/closing blade (opening/closing member) of the ball entry device (large winning hole) opens, and the game ball that enters the ball entry device wins a special prize. A jackpot game is generated by entering the ball into the mouth.

- The CPU 80a, ROM 80b, RAM 80c, and random number generation circuit 80d may be configured in one chip. The CPU 82a, ROM 82b, and RAM 82c may be configured in one chip.

- The specific configuration of the game board 20 may be changed arbitrarily.
The effect control board 81 is used as a sub-integrated control board, and a display control board that exclusively controls the effect display unit 19, a light emission control board that exclusively controls the effect light emitting unit 14, and the effect sound unit 12 are provided separately from the effect control board 81. A dedicated control sound control board may be provided. A sub-board may include such a sub-integrated control board and other boards for controlling effects. Moreover, in the embodiment, the CPU 80a and the CPU 81a may be mounted on a single board. Also, the display control board, the light emission control board, and the sound control board may be arbitrarily combined to form a single board or a plurality of boards.

- The performance display monitor 82d may not be provided on the frame control board 82. The performance display monitor 82 d may be provided on a board different from the frame control board 82 . In this case, the frame control board 82 may be connected to the performance display monitor 82d. The CPU 82a may be configured to be able to control the display content of the performance display monitor 82d.

・Although the game machine is configured to circulate all of a predetermined amount of game media (game balls as an example), this is not limiting, and some or all of the game media can be exchanged for game media outside the game machine. It may be a configuration.

- The pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a magnetic sensor on one or both of the mounting frame 11b and the game board 20 . According to this configuration, it is possible to detect a magnetic foreign object that should not exist in the pachinko game machine 10 . In addition, it is possible to detect the possibility of the use of magnet devices such as magnets and wires that do not correspond to game media that are normally used in the pachinko gaming machine 10 . In addition, it can contribute to the discovery of an act of intentionally creating a state in which game balls are piled up by using magnetic game balls and magnets.

· The pachinko game machine 10 may be provided with a configuration for detecting a game ball deformed by a dent or a scratch. For example, a sensor such as a camera may be installed in the circulation passage 37 to detect whether the game ball is normal with no dents or scratches from the acquired image. A game ball with such dents or scratches should not be used normally, and corresponds to an abnormal object. It is unclear whether a game ball with dents or scratches can be accurately shot from the shooting part 65, and even if it is shot, it will move in the same way as a game ball with no dents or scratches in the game area 20a. is unknown, it is preferable not to use it.

- The circulation mechanism 29 is entirely formed on the mounting frame 11b, but may be partially formed on the game board 20. - 特許庁That is, the game board 20 may form part of the distribution mechanism 29 .
Next, technical ideas that can be grasped from the above embodiment and another example will be added below.

(1) The setting of the circulating mechanism abnormality error and the setting of the circulating mechanism passage abnormality error are canceled when a predetermined period of time has elapsed while the specific operation unit was being operated.
(2) A notification unit is provided, and the notification unit executes notification of the circulation mechanism abnormality error according to the setting of the circulation mechanism abnormality error, and the circulation mechanism passage abnormality according to the setting of the circulation mechanism passage abnormality error. The notification of the error is executed, and the notification of the abnormal error of the circulation mechanism is given priority over the notification of the abnormal error of the circulation mechanism passage by the notification unit.

D21... Foul sensor D25... Winning passage count sensor D26... Non-winning passage count sensor D27... Ball jam monitoring sensor D28... Conveyance entrance sensor D29... Conveyance exit sensor D30... Out sensor ES... Production device 10... Pachinko machine 12... Production sound Part 14... Effect light emitting part 15... Launch operation part 19... Effect display part 20... Game board 20a... Game area 20c... Launch passage 23A... First start port 23B... Second start port 25... Out port 29... Distribution mechanism 30... Collection Mechanism 30a Winning Port 30b Non-winning Port 30c Foul Receiving Port 31 Winning Passage 32 Non-winning Passage 33 Foul Passage 34 First Junction Section 35 Junction Passage 36 Second Junction Section 37 Circulation Passage 38 Conveyance passage 38a Conveyance entrance side passage 38b Conveyance section passage 38c Conveyance outlet side passage 40 Discharge ball passage 50 Circulation mechanism 52 Conveyance section 52a Conveyance motor 52b Position detection mechanism 52ba Protrusion 52bb Position sensor 52c... Screw 52ca... Shaft part 52cb... Locking part 52d... Power transmission part 52da... First gear 52db... Second gear 52dc... Third gear 52h... Passage member 60... Shooting mechanism 65... Shooting part 80... Game control Substrate 80a...CPU 80c...RAM 81...Effect control board 81a...CPU 81c...RAM 82...Frame control board 82a...CPU 82c...RAM 82d...Performance display monitor 82f...Error cancellation switch

Claims (4)

In a circulation-type game machine that circulates game balls inside the machine,
a game board having a game area;
a shooting unit capable of shooting game balls toward the game area;
a circulation mechanism for circulating the game balls collected from the game board;
A control unit capable of executing predetermined control,
The circulation mechanism is
A circulation mechanism passage, which is a passage through which game balls circulate;
a first ball detection unit capable of detecting a game ball in the circulation mechanism passage;
a second ball detection section capable of detecting a game ball in the circulation mechanism passage downstream of the first ball detection section in the game ball circulation direction;
a conveying member capable of conveying a game ball in the circulation mechanism passage;
a drive motor for driving the conveying member;
a state detection unit capable of detecting the state of the conveying member;
The control unit executes first control for controlling the drive motor so that the transport operation by the transport member is performed in accordance with the establishment of a predetermined transport condition, and the transport operation is performed by the transport member. An operation of conveying a game ball as the state is alternately changed between a reference state and a state that is not the reference state,
wherein, during execution of the first control, the control unit executes a second control for controlling the drive motor so that the conveying member performs a special operation in response to establishment of a predetermined special condition;
The special conditions include a first special condition that is satisfied when a first period of time elapses without detecting that the conveying member has reached the reference state during execution of the first control; a second special condition that is established by detecting that the reference state has been reached again before a second time elapses after the detection that the reference state has been reached,
The control unit
setting a circulation mechanism abnormality error when the second control is executed a first number of times in response to the establishment of the first special condition and when the first special condition is established;
setting the circulation mechanism abnormality error when the second control is executed a second number of times in accordance with the establishment of the second special condition and when the second special condition is established;
During the execution of the first control, a third time has passed since the second ball detection unit has not detected the game ball and the first ball detection unit has detected the game ball. A gaming machine characterized by setting a circulating mechanism passage abnormality error when a circulating mechanism passage abnormality occurs. Equipped with an operation unit,
2. The game machine according to claim 1, wherein the setting of the circulatory mechanism abnormality error and the setting of the circulatory mechanism passage abnormality error can be canceled by operating the same specific operation unit. The circulation mechanism passage abnormality error is not set during the ball extraction state in which the game balls inside the machine are discharged outside the machine,
3. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein said circulation mechanism abnormality error can be set during said ball extraction state. The gaming machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first number of times and the second number of times are a plurality of times.

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